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