PLAYOFF PREVIEW (WILDCARD PICKS)

Six teams remain in the hunt for the ultimate prize, the illustrious GFFL BOWL VIII. Let's take a quick look at the field and then we'll get down to projecting and picking games.
1. Classics (11-3) - The defending champion Classics have made it back to the field as the #1 seed looking to become the first team to repeat since the 2008 Carolina Falcons. This will be his 4th playoff appearance in 5 seasons, he is 4-2 all time in the playoffs with 1 championship (GFFL BOWL VII) in 1 GFFL BOWL Appearance.

2. Rayz (10-4) - The Rayz consistently one of the best teams in the league during the regular season have failed to find success in the playoffs most notably losing a heart breaker last year in the divisional round to the Kings (Roddy White). Could this be the year the Rayz finally put it all together and grab a title? This will be his 3rd playoff appearance in 4 complete seasons, he is 1-2 all time in the playoffs with 1 championship appearance (GFFL BOWL V loss to the Weiner Dogz).

3. Hurricanes (7-6-1) - In their inaugural season they have managed to shock the league by winning the Western Division title and have received a home playoff game. Of course they are a huge underdog to walk away with the title but they've been an underdog all year and that hasn't stopped them yet.

4. Ducks (8-5-1) - These Ducks have been white hot winners of 8 of their last 9 games to finish out the season scoring 100+ in all but 2 of those games. They have to be considered one of the favorites for GFFL BOWL VIII. This will be their 5th playoff appearance in 7 seasons with those 5 all being consecutive. The last time there was a postseason without the Ducks a lot of us were either sophomores or freshmen in high school. They are 2-3 in the playoffs and they have had 1 championship appearance (GFFL BOWL IV loss to the C.Falcons)

5. Pirates (8-6) - They're back yet again Vogler took this ship wrecked franchise and has turned them into perennial playoff contenders. They're looking to improve on last year's one and done performance. They are 0-1 all time in the post season with no championship appearances yet for the young Pirate franchise.

6. Panthers (8-6) - The Panthers haven't won a playoff game since 2007 but they look to end that streak this year. They have been to the playoffs 4 times in 7 seasons while appearing in one championship (GFFL BOWL II loss to the U.Gators)

WILDCARD ROUND
6. Panthers (8-6) AT 3. Hurricanes (7-6-1)

This Panthers squad may be the 6 seed but it is coming into this match up as the heavy favorite. Mike's highly talented trio of wide outs has led his team all season and the playoff should be no different. The Hurricanes are basically a one man show in RG3 which there's nothing wrong with building your team around one guy...until something happens to that guy. RGKnee may not play but if he does play he'll be hobbled which you have to imagine takes away his rushing stats and kills a lot of his upside. The Panthers are dealing with a couple of holes at his runningback position which may hurt them in the later rounds but for the wildcard round I think they have more than enough to move on. Panthers by 20+

5. Pirates (8-6) AT 4. Ducks (8-5-1)

The Ducks have been on fire lately and after last nights performance by Green-Ellis and their Defense it doesn't look like that fire is going out any time soon. Newton and Peterson give this team unbelievably high upside and if Gronk returns next week you could make a very good argument this is the best team in the whole playoff field. As for the Pirates the Dez injury hurts a lot you can't really expect much out of him with a broken/fractured index finger. The only thing going in the Pirates favor is they have QB Drew Brees and WR Marques Colston against that terrible Tampa secondary I just don't know if that will be enough. I'll take the Ducks by 7

DIVISIONAL ROUND
(not going to do big write ups for these cause I'll be doing divisional looks next week)
6. Panthers AT 1. Classics
4. Ducks AT 2. Rayz

GFFL BOWL VIII
4. Ducks AT 1. Classics

GFFL BOWL VIII CHAMPION: Winston Salem Ducks

Playoffs Projected

Week 12 coming up and still no one has clinched a playoff spot, this is probably the latest in a season I can remember without someone having clinched but that should change following this week.

Playoff Clinching Scenarios

- IF Rayz WIN they clinch a playoff spot; based on points it would most likely be no less than the 4 seed.

- IF Rayz WIN AND Pirates LOSE then Rayz would clinch East Division AND either the 1-2 seed and 1st Round Bye.

- IF Deacons OR C.Falcons LOSE AND Hurricanes LOSE AND Ducks LOSE then Rayz Clinch Playoff Spot

- IF Classics WIN they clinch the Central Division (based on point tiebreaker) AND either the 1-2 seed and 1st Round Bye.

- IF Copperheads OR Deacons LOSE AND Hurricanes LOSE AND Ducks LOSE then Classics will Clinch a playoff spot; based on points it would most likely be no less than the 4 seed.

Let's take a look at the standings and try to project how it'll all play out.

1. Classics (8-3) (VS C.Falcons, VS Deacons, VS Deacons) - After blowing a game to the Ducks they somehow managed to climb up a spot with the Rayz losing and putting up a marginal amount of points. The Classics while being a very shallow team have arguably the sickest starting line up you could have especially with the addition of Harvin. The only problem they could run into is if Tom Brady and/or Arian Foster sit in the playoff weeks due to their respective teams' successes. Other than that the Classics are looking primed for a good shot at a repeat. Lock for a 1st Round BYE and the 1-2 seed

2. Rayz (8-3) (VS Copperheads, VS Pirates, VS Pirates) - Blew a golden opportunity to go ahead and clinch both the Eastern Division and a 1st round bye this past Sunday with their blow out loss to the Gators. They've actually lost the point tie breaker lead to the Pirates for the division which potentially makes things very interesting during their double header in weeks 13 and 14. The McCoy concussion could hurt as well as Julio being a bit banged up and it may be time for the Rayz to make a big move here at trade deadline and go all in for the franchise's 1st title. I say Lock for playoffs AND 70% chance they'll snag a 1st ROUND BYE

3. Copperheads (6-5) (VS Rayz, VS C.Falcons, VS C.Falcons) - After getting upset by the Hurricanes this team is still lucky enough to control its own destiny. They still have a good enough of roster that when it gets hot they could go on a run that ends with a title. If they can pull the upset off over the Rayz and win out against the C.Falcons there is a pretty good chance however still far from likely they could end up with a 1st round bye. The more likely scenario is they will be 6-6 going up against a 6-6 C.Falcons team playing for the West Division. Regardless I expect to see this team in the dance as the 3 seed I can't call it a lock though.

4. Pirates (6-5) (VS Deacons, VS Rayz, VS Rayz) - Missed a big opportunity this past Sunday but they're still clinging on to a chance to take the East division. The bigger worry on Vogler's mind should be just beating the Deacons this week because if he fails to do that he could very well find himself out of the playoffs if he drops both Rayz' games. There are a few holes on this team and it doesn't look as strong as it once did but with Brees and Dez as long as he gets into the dance he still has a shot. Beat the Deacons and this team will be dancing; lose and he might be on the outside looking in with Brees going against SF next week I hate to say this but right now I'll say Pirates narrowly miss the playoffs

5. Panthers (6-5) (VS Ducks, VS Gators, VS Gators) - Easy schedule coming up and MJD and McFadden should be back soon this team is about to be hitting on all cylinders. Back to back Gators games to finish up the season almost guarantee 7-8 wins which will be enough to get a playoff ticket. Not to mention the Panthers starting line up when healthy matches up well against any team in the league. This could be the Panthers best chance to return to the GFFL Bowl since 2010 when they went 11-3 and fizzled out in the Wildcard round. Lock to make the playoffs and I'd say most likely the 4 seed.

6. Deacons (6-5) (VS Pirates, VS Classics, VS Classics) - There's some good talent on this team when they're hitting with Spiller, Stafford, Tony G and Andre Johnson. If they can get into the playoffs Phil could make a serious run at some hardware in his second year in the league. I like this team to beat the Pirates but shockingly miss the dance

7. C.Falcons (6-5) (VS Classics, VS Copperheads, VS Copperheads) - This team just isn't that good if they make it to the dance I think it'll be a very early exit unless they get a miracle. They will control their own playoff destiny in the last two weeks against the Copperheads on the bright side. No playoffs I'd take it to the bank

8. Ducks (5-5-1) (VS Panthers, VS Nutrients, VS Nutrients) - The Ducks have a solid core obviously they aren't up with the elite teams and the Gronkowski injury is crippling. With all that being said being lucky enough to draw two Nutrient games to close out the season could get them to the magic number of 7 wins which should get them in. I really like the Ducks to be the 5 seed and with a trade or two to put a couple more pieces around Peterson you never know what could happen. My pick for the 6 seed far from a guarantee though.

9. Hurricanes (5-5-1) (VS Nutrients, VS Kings, VS Kings) - No McGahee could hurt this team but they've been blessed with a fairly easy schedule I could see them taking 2 of 3 for sure. A trade at the deadline may be a good idea for this team so if they make it to the dance they're prepared to compete. No matter what happens Arnold has had a great 1st season in the GFFL. My pick for the 6 seed and a team to watch in this race.

10. Nutrients (4-7) (VS Hurricanes, VS Ducks, VS Ducks) - Still have a shot at the playoffs technically but I think the Nutrient craze is done for 2012. Johnny is one of my favorite owners in the league and I appreciate his dedication and I think he'll surprise some people and be pretty competitive in 2013 with a Luck, Ridley, Cobb foundation for the future. Done for 2012

11. Kings (3-8) (VS Gators, VS Hurricanes, VS Hurricanes) - There was a small window where it looked like the Kings could possibly make a scramble and sneak into the dance but with both the Ducks and Hurricanes winning on Sunday the field is just too muddied for the Kings to have a realistic shot. No shot to make it 3 in a row in title appearances time to be a big mover at trade deadline

12. Gators (2-9) - Eliminated from contention beat the Rayz though.







Projected Playoff Bracket

Wildcard Round
3. Copperheads (8-6)
6. Hurricanes (7-6-1)

4. Panthers (9-5)
5. Ducks (7-6-1)

Divisional Round
1. Classics (11-3)
4. Panthers (9-5)

2. Rayz (11-3)
3. Copperheads (8-6)

GFFL BOWL VIII
4. Panthers (9-5) VS 2. Rayz (11-3)

GFFL CHAMPION - Rayz

1/3 Article

Well that was quick here we are already a little over 1/3 of the way through the season. Some things are going according to plan (Classics and Rayz 4-1) and some things are down right shocking (Kings 0-5). So let's take a quick look at how the season has been so far and what to expect going forward.

EAST

1. Rayz (4-1) - The Rayz are rolling through opponents as expected with a sick line up and with the depth they have I think you could pencil them down as the top team in the league. However the gap isn't as large as expected especially with the Nicks injury. The Rayz have put together strong 11-3 (2009) and 12-2 (2011) seasons in the past with no titles to show for them will 2012 be different? LOCK for the playoffs should have good shot at a BYE.

2. Pirates (4-1) - Vogler has turned this franchise around quick taking it to the playoffs last year and now this year they are a formidable championship contender. This starting line up isn't Rayz good or even Classics good but they have a lot of depth and good players and on the right day they can explode as they've shown the past two weeks. The Pirates are a LOCK for the playoffs and if they can get hot at the right time they have a team that can go all the way to the GFFL BOWL.

3. Panthers (2-3) - The Panthers just got through probably the hardest opening stretch you could face and found a way to snag 2 wins. The line up isn't terrible with Peyton, Bradshaw, Cruz, and Wayne but in it's current state it would need a boost to compete for one of the wildcard spots. In contention for a wildcard spot. EDIT: Looks like the Panthers are getting that boost trading some future pieces to go all in for a chance at a title in 2012. Peyton, McFadden, Bradshaw, Wayne, Marshall, Cruz, and Jimmy not too bad. FAVORITE for 6th seed in the playoffs.

4. Gators (2-3) - Got at least one W and now have 7 first round picks to build around Doug Martin and Kenny Britt going into the 2013 season. If I can draft how I think I can draft then the Gators will be back in a big way in 2013 using the Dickinson strategy to the extreme. No chance to dance in 2012.

CENTRAL

1. Classics (4-1) - This team is very shallow admittedly which may cost them their chance at grabbing a bye. The line up is strong enough though that even as a 3 seed in the playoffs he should have a good chance at defending his title.

2. Deacons (3-2) - Spiller and Bush have slowed down and thus the Deacons have as well. Still not a bad team and have a shot at snagging a wildcard in just his 2nd season.

3. Ducks (0-4-1) - A lot worse off then initially expected but still have a nice team to build around Newton, Peterson, and Gronkowski. They'll be back in playoff contention with that trio and a good draft one day but it won't be this season.

4. Purple Cobras (0-5) - Doing what they can to piece back together some future picks and build for better days. The one thing positive I can say about this team is they do really have a great owner who cares and who I think will eventually find a way to turn this team into a winner. Building around Andrew Luck is not a bad start when trying to turn your franchise around. Hopefully they can snag a win this year and avoid going winless.

WEST

1. Copperheads (4-1) - The man that found a new way to rebuild throwing away 2011 is reaping the benefits and looks like the heavy favorite to win the Western Division. If I was a betting man this would be my pick for the surest team to have a BYE due to his talent and the lack of surrounding talent in the division. LOCK for the playoffs.

2. C.Falcons (4-1) - Good news for my buddies Haas and Buck are that they are 4-1, the bad news is there is really not that much talent on this team. I definitely see this team falling off a bit but with two games against the Gators and Kings remaining they should be able to piece together enough wins to make it to the playoffs yet again. I'd say they have the longest odds of any contender to bring home a title though.

3. Hurricanes 2-2-1 - Arnold is experiencing a lot of success in his first year of ownership and actually has some strong sleeper potential to make the playoffs. RG3 is an excellent face of the franchise though and should have the Hurricanes in the playoffs sooner rather than later.

4. Kings 0-5 - Wow no one saw this coming and with 5 losses the Kings have probably done the right thing blowing it up. It'll be interesting to see if they can win a game this season now.





CURRENT PLAYOFF PICTURE

1. Pirates (4-1)
2. Classics (4-1)
-----------------------
3. Copperheads (4-1)
4. Rayz (4-1)
5. C.Falcons (4-1)
6. Deacons (3-2)


PREDICTED PLAYOFF PICTURE

1. Copperheads
2. Rayz
------------------------
3. Classics
4. Pirates
5. Panthers
6. C.Falcons


My 1/3 of the way through GFFL BOWL VIII Prediction is Rayz OVER Copperheads

Gators Acquire Britt

Gators Receive: WR Kenny Britt
C.Falcons Receive: QB Carson Palmer, WR Brandon LaFell, and 3rd (2014)

Rayz-Pirates Strike A Deal

Rayz Receive: WR Julio Jones, 3rd, 1st(2014)

Pirates Receive: WR Greg Jennings and HB Michael Turner

C.Falcons Acquire Fitzgerald

C.Falcons Receive: WR Larry Fitzgerald

Rayz Receive: HB Marshawn Lynch, WR Greg Jennings, 1st, 3rd

This is definitely an overpay by the Falcons but Fitz is an elite receiver and if Kolb can get things going this trade could work out for the Falcons. Regardless they now have a huge hole at flex while putting one of their main competitors, the Rayz, in an even better position to capture the GFFL BOWL VIII crown.

The HP Hurricanes Officially Enter League

BREAKING NEWS: Arnold has officially renamed his franchise the HP Hurricanes and they will begin their inaugural season this year. All of their records will start fresh and the former Weiner Dog franchise will finish at 29-27 overall with a GFFL BOWL V Championship win highlighting their tenure in the GFFL. The Hurricanes will kick off this fall against the Deacons in week 1 in a battle of our most recent expansion franchises.

Arnold's First Goal; Get Tom Brady?

GFFL Breaking News: There have been a few rumors that Arnold's first move he hopes to pull off is to make Tom Brady his starting quarterback. Tom Brady is currently the starting quarterback of the Classics and has a legitimate shot at being the #1 QB in fantasy in 2012. The Classics do have some holes in other parts of their line up so a trade is very possible. An Eli Manning + Wes Welker or something trade might would be enough to get it done. Who knows, the only thing known for sure is Arnold wants Brady as his quarterback.

Arnold Set to Take Over Weiner Dogz Franchise

Arnold has been awarded the Weiner Dogz franchise. The Weiner Dogz compiled a 29-27 record in 4 seasons under previous owner Melissa Hedrick, including one GFFL Bowl Championship in GFFL BOWL V. A series of inactivity starting in 2010 and culminating when she walked out on this year's draft led to her dismissal as an owner. She will still be a part of the team but Arnold will be taking over day to day operations of the franchise. The hope is with Arnold taking over the formerly morbid Weiner Dog franchise will have an increase in transaction activity and will at least have the line up set prior to Sundays. I'm sure Arnold will rename the team for the 2012 season as well. Everyone welcome what I think will be a great addition to the league in Arnold Ferrarararas.

2012 POWER RANKINGS

1. Rayz - He has arguably 3 of the top 5 players in the league. Rodgers, McCoy, Rice, Bowe, Fitzgerald, and Nicks is a pretty sick team. Nicks' injury may put the Rayz in a bind early but they'll have things together at least by midseason. Tight end is the only weak spot in a line up that should put the Rayz as favorites for GFFL BOWL VIII.

2. Kings - The Kings are literally right behind the Rayz and would be a good bet to make their 3rd consecutive GFFL BOWL. This team boasts an insanely good trio of backs with CJ, McFadden, and the studly rookie Trent Richardson. Michael Vick when healthy is easily a top QB1, Jimmy Graham in my book is the #1 tight end, the receivers aren't as good as the Rayz' but they definitely will be able to get the job done. The only thing going against the Kings is they share a division with 2 of the other top 4 teams. The West should be very interesting this year.

3. Copperheads - A lot of the Copperheads prospects came down to how well they'd do in the draft. Well they did very well. They have great runningback depth which will be key this season and then was able to add Harvin, Wallace, and DJax to form a pretty impressive receiving corps. After a few years down in the cellar the Copperheads are on the rise and won't be satisfied with anything but a GFFL title this year.

4. Carolina Falcons - Starters, I love the Michael Bush pick which is a great cover for a potential Forte hold out. They are a small step not too much behind the Kings and Copperheads but they'll most likely be on their way to a 3rd place finish in the division and the 5th or 6th seed in the playoffs. This team does have some bust potential though with Lynch having his contract in place, Forte hold out possible, Roddy losing even more of the offense to Julio, but the C.Falcons should find a way to get it done and find themselves in the post season yet again.

5. Pirates - QB Brees, HB Murray, WR Dez, WR Maclin, WR Julio. Looking at that line up there's no argument, the Pirates are legit contenders now. Vogler has done an amazing job turning around this team and they will be in prime position to build off their 2011 playoff appearance. A team that was once locked in as the laughing stock of the league is now a good bet to make a 2nd consecutive playoff trip, that's how you rebuild a franchise guys.

6. Deacons - In their 2nd season the Deacons should be playoff bound. Stafford, Andre3000, and Steve Smith should lead this team while Spiller and Reggie Bush have the potential to add to the explosive scoring. I'd put the Deacons in the lead to win the Central and earn a playoff berth in 2012.

7. Classics - Well Brady, Foster, and MJD are all back, that's the good news. The bad news the receiving corp looks very barren, anytime a journey man receiver (Nate Washington) and an unproven rookie receiver (Michael Floyd) are your 1 and 2 you're in trouble. The trio of Brady, Foster, and MJD should be good enough to keep the Classics in contention but I think they aren't up there with the Big 3 of the league and are going to need some things to happen to have a real shot at repeating.

8. Ducks - Cam and Gronk are good but they can't do it alone. Peterson probably won't be back to form this season if ever and with the Ducks' receivers and other runningbacks it's going to take some luck to piece together a playoff run. Cam and Gronk aren't anywhere near old so the Ducks will still have some chances with this core but just don't expect 2012 to be one.

9. Panthers - The Panthers better hope Peyton is healthy enough to return to fantasy as a QB1 because they are going to need him. This team isn't bad but lacks super stars and should be on the outside looking in come playoff time.

10. Weiner Dogz - Eli, Welker, Austin and what's left of SJAX is not enough to make the postseason. Whoever takes over this team will be taking on a bit of a project but nowhere near the mess some of our owners have taken over before. The good news is they have the rights to their 2013 1st round pick that plus three good keeper selections should lead to a contending team next year.

11. Purple Cobras - Most likely another year stuck in the basement and already without their 1st for 2013 and 2014 the future is looking a little bleak at least they got their QB of the future in Andrew Luck. Jonny is a good owner which makes it sad to see a franchise that's suffered a lot of bad breaks stuck down here but who knows all it takes is a few good moves and a lucky pick up or two to change your fantasy fortune.

12. Gators - I think my team has an outside chance at being fairly competitive and we'll finish ahead of a handful of teams on this list at least but for now I have to rank them here. A lot of potential guys outside of Megatron but no legit studs have the prospects for 2012 looking gloomy. The good news though with six first round picks next year and four(possibly five) of the picks lottery bound the Gators will resume their spot at the top a year from now.

Future picks traded

Copperheads received a 2013 3rd from both the Gators and Rayz the one from the Gators was the 3rd(K) and the one from the Rayz was just their regular 3rd

Rayz-C.Falcons Deal

Rayz Get: WR Julio Jones and 2013 5th
C.Falcons Get: WR Roddy White

KEEPERS SET

Deacons - WR Andre Johnson, WR Steve Smith, HB Reggie Bush
Kings - HB Chris Johnson, HB Darren McFadden, TE Jimmy Graham, WR AJ Green (From Gat), QB Michael Vick (FROM PC)
Classics - QB Tom Brady, HB Arian Foster, HB Maurice Jones-Drew
Rayz - QB Aaron Rodgers, HB Ray Rice, WR Hakeem Nicks (From Gat)
Copperheads - HB Jamaal Charles, HB Frank Gore, HB Beanie Wells, HB Ryan Mathews (From Rayz)
Gators - WR Calvin Johnson
Panthers - QB Drew Brees, QB Peyton Manning, WR Vincent Jackson
Ducks - QB Cam Newton, HB Adrian Peterson, TE Rob Gronkowski
Weiner Dogz - QB Eli Manning, WR Wes Welker, WR Miles Austin
Carolina Falcons - HB Lynch, HB Forte, WR R.White
Pirates - HB Demarco Murray, WR Dez Bryant, WR Jeremy Maclin
Purple Cobras - HB Darren Sproles, HB Jahvid Best

Hakeem Nicks AFTER KEEPERS to Rayz

Rayz Get: WR Hakeem Nicks
Gators Get: 2016 1st and 2017 1st

The Rayz have further positioned themselves as front runners for GFFL BOWL VIII while the Gators have continued to stock pile for the future. The Gators now have (6) 1sts for 2013, (5) 1sts for 2014, (3) 1sts for 2015, (3) 1sts for 2016, and (3) 1sts for 2017.

Ryan Mathews (AFTER KEEPERS) to Copperheads

Rayz Get: 1st (2nd overall), 2nd (15th overall), 2nd (2013)

Copperheads Get: HB Mathews (AFTER KEEPERS) and 5th (2013)

Hakeem Nicks OR AJG AFTER KEEPERS

If there ever was an all in move available this is it. The Gators are willing to trade one of these elite wide receivers for high picks in the future and/or a 2013 keeper slot. Adding one of these elite receivers without having to give up much for 2012 allows you to get a leg up in the quest for a GFFL BOWL win.

If I'm the Classics who don't pick until the fourth round but have three solid keepers I seriously consider this QB Brady HB Foster HB MJD WR Nicks would be a core that's more than capable of competing for a repeat.

The Rayz should also explore this option after coming up short last year they could build a super team with QB Rodgers HB McCoy HB R.Rice WR Nicks then take someone like WR Fitzgerald number one he'd be in contention for a run at an undefeated season.

The Copperheads are of course another team that should consider making a deal with both the Panthers and Gators QB Brees HB Charles HB Wells HB/WR Gore WR Nicks with four first rounders good luck beating that.

Of course you can never rule out the Kings who are looking to make a 3rd consecutive GFFL BOWL trip.

Brees or Peyton?

The Panthers have notified the league they would trade QB Drew Brees or QB Peyton Manning AFTER KEEPERS for the right price. That would be a huge boost to a contender to essentially get a fourth keeper spot and fill it with a top 5 quarterback. I'd assume a deal would be similar to the Kings-Cobras deal where the Kings sent a 2nd and (2) 3rds for Vick maybe a bit more would be sent for Brees.

A deal would make the most sense for the Copperheads as they're in a prime position to compete this year and could deal something like a 3rd and 4th this year and a 1st in 2013 and really jumpstart their year. QB Brees HB Charles HB Gore HB/WR Wells then (4) 1st round picks would be nice.

Other teams that would make sense are the C.Falcons and Deacons, maybe even the Kings would make sense if they could find a taker for Vick and recoup some of their picks.

Gators Get WR AJG

Gators Get: WR AJG, HB Spiller, 2nd(K),3rd(2013), 2nd(2014),1st(2015),1st(2016)

Kings Get: TE Graham and 1st (8th overall)