Somerville Spartans (8-4) 59.49 over Georgia Gappers (1-11) 52.48
The celebration might have started a bit early for the Spartans as they survived a scare against the Gappers. However, the Spartans clinch their second consecutive division title over an in-town rival. This game does raise some concerns over the Spartans as it is never good to fall flat leading up to the playoffs. The Spartans still stand at #3 in points overall, but if they suffer another off week then they should be worried about the first round of the playoffs.
El Paso Bandits (7-5) 110.96 over Mill Creek Bulldogs (5-7) 91.45
The Bandits would not be denied this year as they are finishing strong. Things did not look good after the day games, but the Bandits did enough in the afternoon and beyond to beat the desperate Bulldogs. This is the first trip back to the playoffs for the Bandits franchise since 2005 where they won once and lost to division rival Argonauts in the Conference Final. Speaking of Toronto, that is who the Bulldogs must beat in week 13 for a shot at December football. They will need some help, but could get it with the Pat's Dynasty facing the Spartans this week. Mill Creek leads the Dynasty by 20 points overall, so they are in good shape if the Dynasty loses. Check back next week to see if the mighty Bulldogs can pull it off.
Toronto Argonauts (8-4) 164.33 over Columbus Liquid Courage (4-8) 69.97
The Argonauts made a statment this week in their playoff clinching win. They again dominated the CLC, nearly surpassing the margin of victory of this matchup earlier this year. The Argonauts also fell just short of the single game record and would have easily broke it if Matt Cassell had been the starter. This will be the 4th consecutive trip to the playoffs, but they need one more win to clinch their third division title.
Anal at Bandcamp (10-2) 87.60 over N.E. Chowderheads (5-7) 69.03
This clinches another NFC West title for AABC who still has not lost inside the division EVER. They will go for win #24 in a row against the division next week against the 2-10 Cowboyz. This was not an impressive win this week, but their consistent production all year has gotten them the best record in the league, which will tie a record with one more win. A note for the Chowderheads, it was a tough season that had some promise until Reggie Bush's injury, so don't count them out at the start of 2009.
Flaming Stewies (9-3) 136.26 over Hotsauce (7-5) 109.61
This game might put Hotsauce away for the year despite a hot streak since week 4. Hotsauce has gone 7-2 since then, but has not been able to get over the Stewies who handed Hotsauce both losses. The Stewies are now in line for their 3rd division title and clinched their 4th trip to the post-season overall where they have only lost one game (2006 Super Bowl). Their strong outburst keeps them on top of the Argonauts for the scoring title as well.
Big Games in Week 13:
Somerville Spartans vs. Patriots Dynasty
This game means a lot more for the Dynasty who needs a win to get in. Just one victory puts the Bulldogs down and gives this franchise their first playoff berth. However, they have to get past the Spartans to do so. As for Somerville, they must perform well this week. After week 12's dismal performance, they need to show they are ready for week 14 and beyond. Another weak output and there could be serious concerns for this squad which looked like the AFC favorite not long ago.
Toronto Argonauts vs. Mill Creek Bulldogs
The Argonauts are in, but a win clinches the division without a tie breaker. As for the Bulldogs, they have to win. They trail the last playoff spot by one game, so they will need some help from the Spartans too, but if they lose, they can forget about it.
Vilma=God vs. N.E. Chowderheads
Vilma does not necessarily need that one last win for their first playoff berth, but it would seal things up. While tied for the top spot with the Roncos, they do have to worry about Hotsauce if they lose. The Chowderheads might be able to get Bush back which makes them a very dangerous team. Vilma has been in the league since day one, so this is a big game for the franchise.
Flaming Stewies vs. Denver Roncos
The Stewies are in, and have a huge points lead over the Roncos so the division is just about wrapped up. The Roncos are in the same spot as Vilma, win and you're in. They have to get over a good Stewies team who they already beat this year 95-90 in week 3. They have been terrible since winning their seventh straight to start the season as they have gone 1-4 since. A win here would be a statement that this team is ready for the playoffs.
Hotsauce vs. Capt Acorn
Hotsauce must win. They need a good point total and a loss from either the Roncos or Vilma. They would prefer a Ronco loss because they are much closer in points. All Hotsauce can do is replicate their week 12 score and hope for a loss in front of them. Acorn has been streaky this year, so they may be dangerous. It is hard to tell which Acorn team will show up: the boom or the bust.
Rk Lst Rk
#1 #1 Anal at Bandcamp (10-2) - Won the division again and in line for the best record in the league
#2 #3 Flaming Stewies (9-3) - Big win over Hotsauce to clinch a playoff spot
#3 #2 Somerville Spartans (8-4) - Picked up an ugly win which only shows they have something to prove
#4 #5 Toronto Argonauts (8-4) - Only team to score 160+. They've done it twice.
#5 #7 El Paso Bandits (7-5) - Breaking out the good stuff and got a quality win over the MCB
#6 #8 Vilma=God (8-4) - Finally in a position to make the playoffs in their best year to date
#7 #3 Hotsauce (7-5) - Had a good week, but sorely needed a win
#8 #9 Patriots Dynasty (6-6) - They control their own fate, can't ask for much more
#9 #11 Denver Roncos (8-4) - After a 4 week absence, the Roncos might just be back
#10 #6 Capt Acorn (6-6) - Had a good run, but they have a good matchup to be a spoiler
#11 #10 Mill Creek Bulldogs (5-7) - Good week, rough loss. Needs another big game and help
#12 #12 N.E. Chowderheads (5-7) - Stuck in the cellar of a good conference, next year will be better
#13 #13 Columbus Liquid Courage (4-8) - Turns out this wasn't the big breakout year
#14 #14 Pirates (2-10) - For their record, they have a pretty good point total
#15 #15 Cowboyz (2-10) - Would need a record-setting week to avoid worst point total in history
#16 #16 Georgia Gappers (1-11) - Needs just one win to avoid worst record in history