Midway Evaluation/Power Rankings

Half way through the season 7 games down with 7 to go we're starting to get a clear picture of who is at the top but the picture for who is gonna make the playoffs is more muddied than in any year I can recall.

1. C.Falcons 6-1 - Fresh off dethroning the previously unbeaten Rayz the Carolina Falcons are no doubt a PLAYOFF LOCK after already having amassed 6 wins. They have 2 games left against the Weiner Dogz and an additional 2 games left against the Copperheads which makes them a LOCK FOR 10+ WINS. They will have a big show down against the Kings in week 11 and if they win that and hold them off for the division crown this could easily be your #1 seed and a team that could get back to the title game for the 2nd consecutive year.

2. Rayz 6-1 - Still a top tier team and arguably the top team in the league but the schedule does get a little rockier with (Kings,Gators,Classics,Revamped Panthers X2 for 5 of their last 7 games). I think they're obviously a PLAYOFF LOCK but they better keep looking over their shoulder cause the Gators are coming just one game back.

3. Classics 4-3 - After a bumpy start they're right where they want to be in control of the Central Division. They shouldn't have too much trouble holding this lead if they take care of business in the divisional game. I won't put them as a lock but I'll say STRONG CHANCE THEY WIN THE CENTRAL AND SNAG 3 SEED.

4. Gators 5-2 - Chomping at the bit to take over the East division, the Gators should be a PLAYOFF LOCK. Even without Peterson the Gators field a strong team that could take over the East and has an outside chance at finishing with the one seed.

5. Kings 5-2 - They should easily be a PLAYOFF LOCK and have a good chance at running down the C.Falcons for the West crown. In all honesty I wouldn't be shocked to see the defending champions holding the 1 seed if McFadden is fine.

6. Pirates 4-3 - I can't believe they're in this spot and I think they'll be falling before long but right now they have a 1 game lead on a playoff race that may take a 7-7 or worse record to win so I guess they're in the thick of things.

7. Purple Cobras 3-4 - Definitely contenders for that 6th and final playoff spot the Best injury hurt him but he is through with the toughest part of his schedule.

8. Panthers 3-4 - This is my pick to overcome and capture the 6 seed; Cobras, Dogz, Pirates, and Ducks are four very winnable games on the schedule that could get them to 7 wins and if they could somehow steal a game from the Gators or Rayz 8 wins would easily punch them in but 7 could do the trick. A team featuring Brees Bradshaw Mendenhall and VJAX is actually pretty good and could be a real wildcard threat with upset potential. MY PICK TO GRAB THE 6 SEED.

9. Ducks 2-5 - Newton and Peterson are a formidable duo and the Gronk isn't a bad tight end. Blowing last weeks game to the Pirates definitely hurts them but they're my DARKHORSE to rise from the ashes and claim the 6 seed. Even if they don't make it this year, a core of Newton, Peterson, and Gronk/Britt(?) will have a chance to make them very competitive for quite a while.

10. Deacons 2-5 - Still in the hunt but they need Hillis to wake up if they want to make their way into the dance. An upset of the Rayz would be a heck of a start.

11. Weiner Dogz 1-6 - NO CHANCE they have a huge game in Week 11 against the Copperheads though to see who has the best lottery odds at the #1 pick in 2012.

12. Copperheads 1-6 - (see Weiner Dogz)

PROJECTED PLAYOFF BRACKET

WILDCARD

3. Classics

6. Panthers

4. Rayz

5. C.Falcons

BYE: 1. Gators, 2. Kings

Call it biased but that's just the way I think things will end up shaking out.


POWER RANKINGS

1. Pirates - oh wait..nevermind

1. C.Falcons - After beating the Rayz I have to stick them up here but I still don't like their roster outside of Forte.

2. Rayz - Still arguably the top roster in the league.

3. Gators - Vick, Megatron, Nicks, Fitz and Graham are beyond studly while they mix and match their runningback slots.

4. Kings - If McFadden is fine and Andre gets back this is a team that could be a very serious repeat contender.

5. Classics - If only Foster could get 40 every week. They're gonna need that other back CJ700maybe to wake up if they want a real shot at a title.

6. Panthers - Team looks sick on paper only one game out. Easily the favorite for the 6 seed.

7. Purple Cobras - Got through a terrible rough patch in their schedule and now we'll find out if there was any truth to that 3-0 start.

8. Pirates - This reminds me of the 2009 Mountaineer team luck that willed Adam to a playoff spot despite being the lowest scoring team in the league. The Pirates aren't quite that bad and the rest of the league hopes they aren't quite that lucky.

9. Ducks - They have a great core for the future and if they beat the Panthers in their match up could find a way in the dance this season.

10. Deacons - Need Hillis to wake up but even if he doesn't the good news is they have their 1st pick for next year and could have really good lottery odds at 1st pick and be able to put a piece around Hillis Finley and Smitty.

11. Weiner Dogz - Consecutive Playoff runs ends this year

12. Copperheads - 2012