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


PREDICTED PLAYOFF PICTURE

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


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