All-Inclusive FFL League Articles

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

by seeker smith, correspondent

...well, ok...here we are in the final week of the 2k7 AI-FFL season (it goes by too fast, eh?), and the playoff landscape is largely determined...we'll spend this article discussing the teams most likely to be involved in our 2nd season, along with the time-honored Terlet Bowl participants...might check in (briefly) on the wk.13 contests, too...who knows?

In the National Conference, our four participants have been decided.  The Saguaros (9-3) have clinched the Landry Division (based on two head-to-head wins over the MinP, 8-4 record), and yet their final playoff seeding depends on the wk.13 outcome.  Ma'am & Bart's (both 8-4) hold the head-to-head tiebreak over the Sags, so if TomC doesn't win in Wk.13, it's possible Pedernales will end up with the #2 seed in the National Conf playoffs. 

The Grant Division title in the Nat'l Conf is still hotly contested.  If both the Mammadawgs & the Bart's Revenge win in wk.13 & end up tied at 9-4, there will be deep tiebreaks involved, as they split their head-to-head contests and a wk.13 win by Barts will knot the divisional and Conf records.  Total PF (as determined by MyFL) is the next tiebreak, and Barts holds a 159FP advantage there. 

Basically, the National Conf playoff teams have been determined, but their actual seeding is still very much up in the air.  Wk.13 will finalize things in the National.

Over in the Eastern Conference, the Dawg Pound (9-3) and the Dudes (5-7) have clinched their divisions and will be slated as the #1 & #2 seeds in the East.  Our defending champs, the Seoul Train, have a stranglehold on the #3/wildcard seed.  The Bandits (@ Dudes in Wk.13) & Rottweilers (@ Dawg) remain in the hunt for the elusive 4th seed in the East.  If both win (or lose), the Bandits would proceed based on their Wk.4 win over Brooklyn.

So the East is fairly well determined at this point, with the Bandits getting the likely nod for the 4th and final playoff slot.  It seems like the Eastern Conference is in the underdog role (much like the NFC in the Real Deal this year), but strange things happen come playoff time.  So keep yer eyes wide for the fun & (especially) the games--!

So, in short, here's the playoff landscape entering wk.13:

National Conference:  Saguaros, Mammadawgs, Bart's Revenge, Minor Profits (with actual seeding still TBA)

American Conference:  1) Dawg Pound, 2) Dudes, 3) Seoul Train, 4) either Bandits or Rottweilers

Terlet Bowl contenders:  1) Seminoles, 2) Wallflowers, 3) either Bandits or Rottweilers, 4) X-Cards

Looking (briefly) at our Wk.13 contests, here are some implications:

MinP (8-4) @ Sems (6-6) -- Woody+Steven can help slot the MinP as the #4 seed in the postseason.  The Sems are out of Superlative Bowl contention, but they are the odds-on favorites in our time-honored Terlet Bowl showdown.

Sags (9-3) @ XCar (2-10) -- This looks like a breeze for the Saguaros, but the X-Cards posted 52 last week, and TomC needs the win to insure the top seeding in the National.  Obviously this is a "character" game for FredO.

MaaM (8-4) @ SeoT (7-5) -- With the Grant Div title on the line, Betsy's Mammadawgs need to conquer last year's champs.  But Dunleavy likely has other plans, including a strong finish/record and momentum heading into the postseason.  This is our obvious Game Of The Week for the AI-FFL's Wk.13.

Bart (8-4) @ Wall (4-8) -- Rich's Bart's Revenge needs this game to claim the Grant Division.  pappasan is out of the running for glory, yet he can impact the 2k7 postseason and gain some honor for his Wallflowers with a win here.

Band (3-9) @ Dude (5-7) -- Well, the Dudes are slinking into the playoffs with a (current) 4-game losing skid & that measly record.  Paul's Bandits need to win here to insure their postseason hopes.

Rott (3-9) @ Dawg (9-3) -- This is obviously a lopsided contest.  But, if FredH's Rottweilers can prevail, they'll have a strong shot at the playoffs.  And, as we all know, anything can happen once the regular season is done.

So, there it is, and here we go into Wk.13 & beyond.  The playoffs are on the horizon, and in the distance everyone can see the glory & triumph of the Superlative Bowl....  It's time to push on, folks, and Wk.13 gets the big-ball rolling--!

good games to all!>>

--seeker.

by seeker smith, correspondent

American Conference Playoff Picture:

...the Dawg have clinched the Noll Division and homefield advantage in the American Conference playoffs, and SeoT has secured a playoff spot.  In the Grant, the Bandits need to win out to insure a postseason (& possibly a Madden Div title) spot.  The Dudes have lost 3 in a row, but can clinch the Madden with a win or with a loss by the Bandits in either of the our final two weeks.  Don't forget the Rott, however; they are also at 3-8, and should the Bandits falter, the Rottweilers can definitely find their way to the promised land.

National Conference Playoff Picture:

...both division titles are hotly contested right now.  The Sags faceoff against the MinP in the Landry to determine who will take it.  In the Grant, the Wallers have been eliminated from the postseason but can play a spoiler role against Ma'am in Betsy's quest for the division title there.  The Seminoles do have a shot at the playoffs, but Woody + Steven will need to win out and have dual losses by either Ma'am or Bart...plus, they'd need a tiebreak (which I didn't check).

Things are coming into focus, and we have some key games that will be worth watching (as ever, eh?).  Let's see what might shake out.

Sags (8-3) @ MinP (8-3)

MyFL spread:  MinP by 6.6

TomC's Saguaros hold the tiebreak over the Profits, based on their Wk.1 divisional victory.  c. needs a win here to (re-)gain Landry supremacy.  The MinP is going with Addai + 4 wideouts in this one, which is sort of unusual.  Equally strange, the Sags have Westbrook as only a SDS/OT Squad play...but since he's facing the NE D, maybe that makes sense.  I think the head coaching decisions could make the difference in a game that should be as tightly contested as the division race has been thus far.

Predicted outcome:  MinP--30   Sags--28

Dawg (9-2) @ Sems (5-6)

MyFL spread:  Sems by 11.2

That's a strange spread from MyFL, considering how Sandlin's Pound has been dominating of late.  Checking the lineups submitted at presstime, it looks to be a close game, however.  I doubt either team will win by 10+FP (unless some player has a blowup game, of course).  For Woody's Sems, if they lose here they lose any shot at the postseason.  Meanwhile, the Dawg have clinched (although I doubt they'll be "resting" anybody...heh!).  This looks like another great matchup to watch!

Predicted outcome:  Sems--38   Dawg--33

Wall (4-7) @ MaaM (7-4)

MyFL spread:  Ma'am by 9.9

This will be a hard-fought Grant Division game, for sure.  The Wallers were eliminated from playoff contention last week, but if I know pappasan (and he IS my pappasan), he'd like nothing better than to play the spoiler after that.  Of course, Bets' Mammadawgs have designs on a Grant title (and much more, I'd wager).  The `Flowers hadn't put in their lineup at presstime, but this one should be interesting down to the wire.

Predicted outcome:  MaaM--42   Wall--25

Bart (7-4) @ Dude (5-6)

MyFL spread:  Bart by 16.7

Given Jim-Dude's 3-game losing streak, it's hard to predict a turnaround against a Bart's team that should really be 9-2 (except for those lineup errors for two weeks).  This is one game where this reporter can actually buy the MyFL point spread (somewhat).  The Dudes do risk opening the door to the Madden Division if they can't win.  Conversely, Rich's Bart's might give up the Grant Division title if they can't take care of bidness.  Looks like another game to watch, eh?

Predicted outcome:  Bart--50   Dude--30

XCar (1-10) @ Band (3-8)

MyFL spread:  Band by 16.9

Believe it or not, in the AI-FFL format of 12-teams & 8 reaching the playoffs, this game has postseason implications.  If FredO can pull off the upset, he could well doom Paul's Bandits' playoff aspirations.  There's nothing but pride on the line for the X-Cards, but "spoiler" is a time-honored FF role.  The Bandits, meanwhile, could feasibly attain a Grant Division title if they can win out.  Ah!  The implications!!

Predicted outcome:  Band--25   XCar--17

Rott (3-8) @ SeoT (6-5)

MyFL spread:  SeoT by 20.8

This Noll Division contest not only has playoff ramifications, it might also put our defending champs at .500 entering our final week.  Of course, Michael's Seoul Train has clinched a playoff spot, regardless, but you know he wants to enter the postseason with some momentum.  FredH's Rottweilers need to secure a victory just to have a glimpse of the playoffs (if not more).  So, there's plenty on the line here, despite the apparent disparity in the teams' records.

Predicted outcome:  SeoT--44   Rott--10

So, that's the take from yer fave correspondent.  Looks like I went with the MyFL favorites in every game, which is a sure sign that these predictions are off base (heh!).  All that remains is the actual gameplay, and that's where the real tale will be told--!

A very happy Thanksgiving (& do give Thanks for all our blessings) to y'all & yours--!>>

--seeker smith.  correspondent

special to the AI-FFL News Network (ANN)

by seeker smith, correspondent

...Well, we've got some key contests this weekend, and most will have ramifications for our postseason picture.  In the American Conference (Noll & Madden Div.s), it appears we'll have at least one sub-.500 team playoff-bound (as is natural in a 12-team league where 8 move on, I guess).  In the National Conf (Landry & Grant), four of the six franchises have 6-4 or better records.

Only the X-Cards, at 1-9, are presently out of playoff contention.  However, with three games to play, we also find four franchises (Sems, Wall, Band, and Rott) 2-games back in the quest for the promised land.  That means they have to win out and/or get some help elsewhere to have a postseason prayer.

It's all getting quite interesting, eh?

Note that Wk.11 is our "international games" week.  That is, we have no homefield advantage (HFA) this weekend (all games are played on international sites, in an attempt to spread the AI-FFL to the world...heh!).  Only an exact regulation tie will send a game into overtime (so you should still include your 3-man SDS/OT Squads).

Ok, on to this week's contests, their implications, and their (possible) outcomes--!

MinP (8-2) vs SeoT (5-5)  from Tokyo, Japan

MyFL Spread:  MinP by 22.9

Ok, Tokyo is almost a home game for the Seoul Train, but the Minor Profits are looking forward to gorging on sushi and miso soup.  Michael is mired in a 3-game losing streak, while c. is enjoying a 4-game winning stretch.  Looks like two teams going in opposite directions, but those trends have to end eventually, right?  SeoT has to be wary of another loss, as they are only 2 games ahead of a couple of American Conf wildcard hopefuls.  But, the MinP have similar concerns with a slight 1-game edge currently in the Landry Divsion.

Predicted outcome:  ...close as you can get, in AI-FFL terms (plus an upset!)...

SeoT--29   MinP--25 

Sags (7-3) vs Dude (5-5)  from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

MyFL Spread:  Sags by 45.1

I'm not quite sure how MyFL calc'ed a 45.1 (!!) FP advantage for the Saguaros, as this game should be much better than that.  The Sags are hot on the trail for their 4th (out of 6) Landry/Perfect Division titles, but they've been runner-up for two years going.  The Dudes lead the Madden Division right now, and they won it last year as they reached the Superlative Bowl (losing 19-37 to the Wallflowers).  Without a win here, Jim-Dude risks opening a path for another team to claim the Madden.  Likewise, TomC needs a win to claim a playoff spot, if not to claim the Landry once again.

Predicted outcome:  ...too much Carnivale for the Dudes??...

Sags--45   Dude--30

Sems (4-6) vs Rott (3-7)  from Berlin, Germany

MyFL Spread:  Sems by 18.2

This seemed a natural game to place in Germany, although the Rottweilers might have a slight advantage amongst the Krauts (heh).  But FredH's Brooklyn team might need that kind of edge, given their 4-game losing streak.  The Rott's are also borderline playoff contenders, and a win now is almost a requirement.  Similarly, Woody & Steven can't afford a loss.  The Seminoles are 2-games back in the Nat'l Conf playoff race.  Any sort of stumble right now would mean playoff elimination for the Willowickers. 

Predicted outcome:  ...poor timing for a loss from...

Sems--25   Rott--13

Ma'm (6-4) vs XCar (1-9)  from Casablanca, Morocco

MyFL Spread:  Ma'am by 13.2

The AI-FFL travels to lovely Casablanca to try to spead the word to Africa and those soccer-loving Muslims.  FredO's X-Cards claimed their 1st win of 2K7 last week and, although they are out of playoff contention, there is plenty of time for a time-honored upset or two that could drastically affect the 2K7 playoff landscape.  Betsy's Mammadawgs will prob'ly enjoy the casinos of Morocco, but they'd better stay focused for this matchup.  There are two National Conf teams sitting 2-games back that aim to take advantage of any Mentor missteps.

Predicted outcome:  ...Ma'am wins big (at Baccarat & in the AI-FFL)...

Maam--48   XCar--20

Wall (4-6) vs Dawg (8-2)  from Moscow, Russia

MyFL Spread:  Dawg by 28.8

Two Texas teams take the AI-FFL into the depths of post-Communist Russia to try to insure that truth, justice, and the ways of democracy continue there.  Yee-haw!  The Wallers are on the playoff fringe in the National, while Sgt. Sandlin's Dawg are in clear control of their Amer Conf destiny.  Also, pappasan's `Flowers have won 3 in a row, and San Antonio has a 4-game win streak of its own.  Something's gotta break here, folks--!

Predicted outcome:  ...das vedanya to...

Dawg--38   Wall--28

Bart (6-4) vs Band (3-7)  from Bombay, India

MyFL Spread:  Bart by 18.8

Well, the AI-FFL had to reach south Asia somehow, so these two franchises get to experience the best curry and Ballywood there is to offer (for what it's worth).  The Bandits, back 2-games in the Madden & in a tightly contested wildcard race in the Amer Conf, are in a near must-win situation.  Rich's Bart's Revenge squad should prob'ly be 8-2 at this stage, but for a couple of lineup miscues during the season.  Springfield has made a move to the top of the Grant Division, and a win here will assure them a playoff spot.

Predicted outcome:  ...rising majestically like the Taj Mahal...

Bart--42   Band--35

So, those are some preliminary guesses at what might happen here in Wk.11.  Naturally, we all have plenty of surprises in store, I expect.  That's what makes it interesting, fun, and worth the ride, right?

Good games to all!>>

--seeker.smith.  correspondent.

special to the AI-FFL News Network (the ANN)

by seeker smith, correspondent

...Well, we have some critical games for the ol' Ai-FFL coming up, so i thought it'd be a good time to revisit the league to examine a few of these matchups...All three divsions are hotly contested at this point, so a win in these critical Wk.10 games could take a franchise over the top, whereas a loss would likely be devastating...

Let's check out the matchups:

MinP (7-2) @ Dude (5-4)

MyFL spread:  MinP by 32.7

Both teams lead their respective divisions, yet both really need a win here to keep that lead alive.  The Dudes have a bit more "wiggle room", but they also have a lesser record...so, if they lose & someone else in the Madden comes up, the Dudes may find themselves forced from playoff nirvana.  The Dudes have better RB options, while the Profits could make up ground with their WRs and Gonzo at TE.  This could come down to the defensive plays.

Predicted outcome:  MinP--40  Dude--22

SeoT (5-4) @ Sags (6-3)

MyFL spread:  Sags by 16.5

Another couple-a teams with serious playoff potential, and with serious ramifications on the line in this one.  This is a "proving ground" game, where one team will show they can handle tough competition and the other will risk falling into 2K7 obscurity.  The Sags have sturdy O-options, beginning with their RBs, and extending through their wideouts & Gates at TE.  Reigning AI-FFL champs Seoul Train have superb WR options, but their true forte may be their D-squads.

Predicted outcome:  SeoT--28  Sags--12

Sems (3-6) @ Band (3-6)

MyFL Spread:  Band by 0.7 (whew! talk about tight!!)

I guess two teams struggling to reach .500 & have some playoff success would rate as the closest call of the week.  Still, a 0.7FP difference is tighter than tight, eh?  Both have similar PF totals thus far (note that PF in MyFL includes D-scoring as a positive tally), but the Seminoles have faced harsher PA totals.  That means squat this week, but it can be used as a measuring stick (I guess).  The Bandits have Palmer at QB, but they have to be concerned about their RB/INJ issues this week.  The Seminoles have their own questions at WR, but they seem to have a sturdy O-lineup otherwise, plus the top-notch Pitt Def (TmDef, scoring 114FP thus far--!) to help out.

Predicted outcome:  Sems--30  Band--12

Dawg (7-2) @ Ma'am (6-3)

MyFL Spread:  Dawg by 28.8

Obviously, this has to be our Game of the Week in the Eye-Full.  Two teams atop their divisions, yet with contenders trailing not-so far behind.  Plus, it should show us who's for-real & who might be a pretender in 2K7.  Only Dawg had a lineup in at presstime (early, i know), but you can see why Chris has a 7-2 record.  Romo, LDT, MBIII, Fitz/Hines/& Cal.Johnson...those O-starters will rack up some FP on anybody, anytime.  And yet, Betsy has Peyton, Wayne & Mason, and Winslow, her ownself.  Her RBs are a bit iffy, so the Ma'am will need some D-scoring to offset the (other) Dawgs' probable O-output.

Predicted outcome:  MaaM--28  Dawg--24

Wall (3-6) @ Rott (3-6)

MyFL Spread:  Wall by 14.2

Another 3-6 pairing, and both have similar concerns.  Any hopes for a wildcard berth could be crushed by a loss by either squad here.  The Wallers have a tougher row to hoe, but a win in a game like this could make all the difference.  The Rott have been skunked an awful lot (even by AI-FFL standards) this year, which means they'll need some significant O-production & some D-squelching to make sure they don't fall apart.  Neither team had a lineup at press time, but we'll still hazard a guess...

Predicted outcome:  Wall--23  Rott--15

XCar (1-8) @ Bart (5-4)

MyFL Spread:  Bart by 22.0

This represents our most lopsided (record-wise) contest, but that means squat when it comes to playing the game.  Bart's has endured a couple of losses due to illegal lineups, so they're likely aiming to get things back on track.  The X-Cards are virtually out of it, and yet they've got solid FF options like Brees (or Hasselbeck), Alexander (at RB), and (this week) Roddy White (66FP), Toomer (44FP), and R.Williams (42FP).  I wouldn't discount the XCar right off.  Still, this is prob'ly the easiest pick of the bunch.

Predicted outcome:  Bart--42  XCar--19

So, that's what yer (un-)faithful reporter has for this week's contests.  Be sure to log your own vote in the weekly Poll (or write an article...or post some smack on the League message board...whatever!).

Here's to great games, all around!>>

--seeker smith.  correspondent.

special to the AI-FFL News Network (ANN)

by Beat Writer, seeker smith.

AI-FFL Week One FF Analysis

(06th, 09-10th Sept`2K7)

by seeker smith, Beat Writer of the Fort Worth Forecaster

Special to the All-Inclusive News Network (AI-NN), UnAP

Ok, these will just be some quick rundowns of AI-FFL action & potential outcomes.  Yer favorite FF correspondent will try to scatter a few (more?) of these throughout our 2K7 festivities.  And other owners are encouraged to post their own articles--league matchups, individual game breakdowns, local "news" stories, whatever suits yer fancy--!  Just go under Communications >> League Articles & have at it! 

In the Fort Worth Forecaster analyses below, the team records are last year's results.  We'll check out the current action, see if we can peek into each team's prospects this wk'end, try to uncover some interesting tidbits for each contest, and give a (very iffy) prognostication for each Wk.1 AI-FFL matchup.  Soooo, let's see how it shakes out:

FW\D Minor Profits (c., 10-3) 

@ Pedernales Sagueros (TomC, 7-6)

early score:  19-0, MinP (no early D-scoring)

The Profits went up early on the strength of Addai's rock-solid TNF outing, but both these teams have plenty of action still to come.  The Cactii  (Sags) will need Jones-Drew & Westbrook to post solid #s to avoid a deficit in the ground game.  The Pedernales WRs are fairly solid, and all three (TO, R.Brown, S.Holmes) have very favorable Real Deal matchups.  Meanwhile the MinP come with a handsome trio of wideouts themselves--S.Smith, Javon, & Boldin.  This could be a high scoring affair between two Landry Division rivals, and it should set an early tone for the division.

Interesting Notes:  Only 2 late game plays by the Sags and 4 by the MinP.  The Sags have five players/positions involved in the Philly/GB game, so TomC will be watching that game closely.  Both teams are starting young, potentially studly, QBs; we'll see if they begin to live up to their promise in this one.  Plus, the two most dominant TEs in the game over the past 5-7 years (Gates & Gonzo) go toe-to-toe.  Should be quite a contest, up & down the lineup!

Prediction:  MinP -- 41   Sags -- 38

St.Louis X-Cards (FredO, 5-8) 

@ Willowick Seminoles (Woody/Steven, 5-8)

early score:  14-3, XCar (with D-subtracts factored)

Well, despite the partial lineup and despite Brees' flub performance, FredO's team put up some enviable FP on Thursday.  Of course, Woody/Steven's 17pts wasn't half bad, either, and it came from one fewer play.  The Sems will be looking for Kitna & T.Bell to help make up some ground against Oak.  And their impressive D-squads should help chip away at the XCar offensive output.  Without a full lineup, it's hard to say what the XCar's might have in store.  Still, their options--including Alexander, F.Taylor, or D'A.Williams at RB and Coles, Sir Isaac Bruce, Kennison, or Reggie Williams at WR--appear capable ones.

Interesting Notes:  Besides the missing lineup by the XCar, their players have extremely limited primetime appearances in Wk.1.  It looks like only the Cincy TmDL for FredO has a late game scheduled, so we'll know their result earlyish Sunday evening.  Willowick is rolling the dice with R.Moss (attitude/injury concerns) & D-Jax (age) at wideout, and that could be a key position for them.

Prediction:  Sems -- 27   XCar -- 18

Mentor Mammadawgs (Betsy, 3-10)

@ Lukenbach Wallflowers (pappasan, 8-5)

early score:  44-0, Ma'am (Wall have a 6FP deficit from Ma'am D-scoring, too)

44FP from the O on Thursday, plus a 6FP takeaway by their D-squads, has to have Mentor fans elated, early-on.  But, the `Flowers have a full 14-man lineup set to come on beginning Sunday.  And four of those plays are in primetime/showcase NFL contests.  Both teams' remaining WR plays are second-tier options, so both will look to their stud-caliber RBs (Gore for Ma'am & "Fast" Willie Parker for Wall) to carry the workload.  And the D-squads will need to show strong to prevent or permit the blowout and/or comeback (depending on your perspective).

Interesting Notes:  Lukenbach took both head-to-heads in 2K6, en route to their Grant Division title and Superlative Bowl V victory.  That must still be sticking in Betsy's craw.  But, the largest early game output in the AI-FFL is probably a sweet redemption (albeit an early & still unresolved one) for Bets. 

Prediction:  MaaM -- 30   Wall -- 21

Springfield Bart's Revenge (Rich, 6-7)

@ Brooklyn Rottweilers (FredH, 8-5)

early scoring:  0-0 (actually, with D-adjusts, -4 to -8, favoring Bart)

Not alot of flash from these two squads' early plays, though the 9FP from the Indy TmDL (Rott) and the 8FP from the Indy TmLB (Bart) is solid enough output by a D-squad.  Both franchises have plenty of high-octane options still to come in Brady, S-Jax, Holt, Driver (for Rich) and Bulger, R.Browm, L.Evans (for FredH).  The remaining D-matchups appear to tilt in favor of Springfield, but this early in the 2K7 campaign, just about anything can (& will) happen.

Interesting Notes:  Looks like this AI-FFL contest is starting out ugly (just like our TNF game, eh?).  But, also like the Indy/Aints game, I'd expect things to change dramatically once our Sunday games get going.  Then again, Brooklyn took down Springfield last year, and it was an ugly one (6-0 final); so maybe these guys get into another brawl like that.  It'll be fun to find out!

Prediction:  Rott -- 37   Bart -- 29

Dallas Dudes (jim-dude, 8-5)

@ Boston Bandits (Paul, 7-6)

early scoring:  4-0, Band (no D-scoring yet)

The measly 4FP from Colston has to be a downer for the Bostonians, even though it did give them a slim early lead.  Jim-dude missed out on a decent 9FP outing by his benched NO Special Teams.  Only a couple of early game options for these two teams, and both led to minor disappointments for them.  Come Sunday, however, the Banditos can look forward to a powerhouse trio of Palmer, Lar-Jo, and T-Hen to help (Paul hopes) widen the margin.  The Dudes will counter with Edge, rookie A.Peterson, and a hefty dose of strong-looking D-squads.  Yep, this one is just getting started, folks!

Interesting Notes:  Given their team makeups, this Madden Division showdown shapes up as a high-powered Offense (Band) going against a top-notch D (Dude).  Kinda mirrors Cincy vs Balty in the Real Deal.  The Dudes pounded the Bandits (then the Terriers) twice last year; and those wins carried jim-dude to a Madden title.  Paul looks to reverse those showings this time around.

Prediction:  Band -- 44   Dude -- 23

South Korea Seoul Train (Michael, 8-5)

@ San Antonio Dawg Pound (Chris, 3-10)

early scoring:  3-0, SeoT

Another game will little going on during TNF.  The SeoT would've liked more from Duece, but with the bulk of their plays still pending, there's time to bolster his rough outing.  Of course, San Antonio has a bunch of weapons--lethal ones, at that--coming into the fray, as well.  Michael will have to hope his potent D-plays (including two Philly squads, with Minny, Balty, and Chi-town plays in the mix, too) can offset the likes of LDT, Romo, Fitzgerald, etc for the Dawg. 

Interesting Notes:  Another D-intensive AI-FFL lineup (SeoT) going up against an opponent stocked with multiple Offensive weapons (Dawg).  Both these Noll Division competitors' 2K6 contests were blowouts, but interestingly they split those two head-to-head matchups (66-15, SeoT in Wk.1 and 73-17, Dawg in Wk.8).  Will 2K7 hold to such a blowout form?  And who will end up on top?  We shall see...

Prediction:  Dawg -- 33   SeoT -- 20

Well, that'll do it for Wk.1.  Again, take all of this reporting as fluff, primarily; just some extra junk to invest a little something special in our AI-FFL opening weekend.  The most important this is:  Good Games, All Around--!  cya in the funny pages!