The Spartans could easily be 7-2, but a few close games has left them in the confusion known as the AFC playoff race. As it stands now, the Spartans have a strong points lead over just about everyone else in the conference. There is really not much worry for the Spartans with a cake divisional schedule where oppenents are combined 6-20.
Key to Making Playoffs: Don't screw up
Patriots Dynasty (4-5, 680.09)
If the season ended today, the Pat's Dynasty would be in. Unfortunately, they still have to get through Hotsauce before ending the season with the Gappers, Pirates and Spartans. There is a good chance they can have their spot locked up by the time the Spartans come to town which is what they will have to do. Right now, they are tied with the Bulldogs and CLC for the last spot and they do hold a slight points lead over both. They won't need to win out, but finishing 3-1 would all but guarentee the final spot.
Key to Making Playoffs: Beat the weak divisional teams, get one against Hotsauce or Spartans
Pirates (2-7, 660.36)
Yes, it is already hopeless for the Pirates, but they still can play a role. The defending champ of the AFC for the past two years won't catch up unless they get a lot of help, but they have a few important games left. First, they play Vilma, who is just above other wild card hopefuls. A Pirate win would put even more pressure on Vilma. Next up is the Spartans, who don't necessarily need the win, but losing would open the door for the Pat's Dynasty to take the division. Finally, in week 12, they play Pat's Dynasty. This could be another chance to mix up the playoff race and possibly recieve some gifts from other contenders this Christmas. In the end, the Pirate reign atop the AFC is over, but standing at 11th in scoring overall (above the Bulldogs, CLC and Capt Acorn) still makes them dangerous enough no to be taken lightly.
Key to Making Playoffs: A Miracle
Toronto Argonauts (5-4, 889.71)
The Args are in a similar position to the Spartans. Despite their current 3 game skid, Toronto really only needs a couple wins to get into the playoffs. With such a points lead over everyone else in the division, nothing short of a collapse would force them out. Luckily, the Argonauts have the Gappers up next on their schedule before heading into divisional play. However, a 1-3 finish could end their streak of 3 consecutive playoff appearences. Assuming a win over the Gappers this week, the Argonauts could be in with one more win, but after taking the scoring title last year and finishing as a wild card team, they're not settling this time around.
Key to Making Playoffs: Forget the losses, go back to being great
El Paso Bandits (5-4, 731.38)
First, there is no way the Bandits catch the Argonauts in points. So if they want to win the division, they are going to have to take it. The Bandits have two games against the CLC left and one against the Argonauts and Buldogs. The Bandits have been playing at a high level lately and need to keep it up if they want to take the AFC East. Unfortunately, they will probably need to win out, including a win against Toronto, for that to happen. As for their wild card spot, barring a collapse, they should be fine.
Key to Making Playoffs: At worst, beat the Bulldogs and CLC once
Mill Creek Bulldogs (4-5, 654.56)
If this was written last week, the Bulldogs would have been counted out. That was before three starters scored just around 20 points, including a breakout from Peyton Manning. The Bulldogs now stand ahead of the CLC in points and just behind the Pat's Dynasty. Their week 10 matchup looks terrible with the Spartans in town. Then they play the CLC, but finish with the Bandits and Argonauts. This is by far the hardest road in the AFC, but this team is always dangerous with the Peyton-AP combo clicking at the same time. If they can get through this group and into the playoffs, they won't be a fluke by any means and could take it all.
Key to Making Playoffs: Win the big games, 3-1 is the worst they can do over the final stretch
Columbus Liquid Courage (4-5, 617.64)
This season had so much promise for the CLC, and their win last week keeps them alive in the playoff race. Like the Bulldogs, the CLC has a rough schedule ahead with the Bandits twice, Toronto and the Bulldogs. This could play to their advantage, as 4 straight wins will get them in over the Bandits and the Bulldogs no matter what they do in their other games. However, the chances of that happening are really bad and they will have to end up a game ahead of the others as they are struggling in total points. It is Hail Mary time, but there is a chance.
Key to Making Playoffs: Win out
Anal at Bandcamp (7-2, 877.57)
AABC really has no worries as they should coast right into the playoffs yet again. They still have not lost a game inside the division, so with three divisional games to go, things look pretty good. The one tough matchup is week 10 when they face off with heated rival the Flaming Stewies. AABC has had a hard time with the Stews, having not won a game against them since week 4, 2005. The 5 game skid includes 3 playoff defeats so AABC will be fired up for this matchup regardless of how badly they need it or not. Overall, unless they collapse, they will be in the playoffs again this year. Even a finishing 2-2 would keep them in it which won't be difficult for the Bandcampers.
Key to Making Playoffs: Don't choke
Vilma=God (6-3, 856.96)
Vilma would be leading the entire AFC, but instead are at holding a one game lead for the second wild card spot. Vilma, who has never made the post-season, just needs to keep winning as they have the softest schedule of any other NFC wild card contender. Week 10 features the Pirates, which could be difficult, but with AABC being the only team with a winning record in their future, they have a great shot at their first playoff berth. Beating the Pirates next week is the first step.
Key to Making Playoffs: Beat the Pirates, sustain points lead
N.E. Chowderheads (4-5, 778.74)
The Chowderheads might be out after losing last week, but they will be getting Reggie Bush back soon. Their first task is to beat the Roncos, who will be without their Cowboy core. This is possible, but even at 5-5, the climb back in will need some help. If they can manage 3-1, including a win over Vilma, with Hotsauce and Acorn going 2-2 or worse, and Vilma losing out, then they could be in. Obviously, the odds are slim.
Key to Making Playoffs: Win out, get some help
Flaming Stewies (7-2, 945.41)
The Stewies have been on fire lately, climbing into the divisional divers seat. However, they could lose first place this week with AABC next up on the schedule. After that, they have to get through perhaps the best division in the league. A 2-2 finish is the worst they can do and make the playoffs, so anything short of a collapse and they are in.
Key to Making Playoffs: Beat AABC for bragging rights, then pick up one more
Denver Roncos (7-2, 882.12)
The Roncos have dropped two in a row, but Romo is due back week 11, so things could turn around. The Roncos are in a similar position as the Stewies, but they are not at full strength this week and will face a tough challenge against a desperate Chowderheads team. Just like the Stewies, a 2-2 finish should be all they need for a playoff berth.
Key to Making Playoffs: Pick up 2 more wins
Hotsauce (5-4, 778.74)
Hotsauce has shown they can win the big games, but here come the biggest ones this year. They have to beat the Pat's Dynasty this week to stay alive, and then they have to have a strong run through divisional play. However, if they don't get any help and Vilma wins out along with 2-2 finishes for the Roncos and Stewies, then Hotsauce is out.
Key to Making Playoffs: Win out and hope for some help
Capt Acorn (5-4, 607.08)
There is no way this team will catch up in points to anyone, so they have to win more games. Week 10 should be an easy win against the Krushers, but like Hotsauce, they need some help. Even a decent finish from Vilma, Stewies and Roncos will end their hopes.
Key to Making Playoffs: Switch to AFC, finish first
Rk Lst Rk
#1 #1 Flaming Stewies (7-2) - Big tests coming up with AABC next and Roncos in week 13
#2 #2 Anal at Bandcamp (7-2) - All alone on top of the division again, looking to roll over the Stews
#3 #5 Somerville Spartans (5-4) - The AFC points leader still in a dogfight for a playoff spot
#4 #8 El Paso Bandits (5-4) - Forced their way back into the picture and now very likely to make playoffs
#5 #3 Denver Roncos (7-2) - Lost second straight with 71. When is Romo back?
#6 #4 Vilma=God (6-3) - Couldn't handle the pressure against AABC, still in good shape
#7 #6 Hotsauce (5-4) - Got lucky with 72 point win over Chowderheads
#8 #11 Capt Acorn (5-4) - All of a sudden looking good with win over Roncos
#9 #7 Patriots Dynasty (4-5) - Would be in if the season ended today
#10 #9 Toronto Argonauts (5-4) - If this skid is extended, the Argonauts could be home early this year
#11 #12 Mill Creek Bulldogs (4-5) - The only team to score more than 100 in week 9
#12 #10 N.E. Chowderheads (4-5) - End of the line?
#13 #13 Columbus Liquid Courage (4-5) - Lucky to be around still with a win with less than 70 points
#14 #14 Pirates (2-7) - On the losing end of the CLC matchup
#15 #15 Georgia Gappers (1-7) - Still the lowest scoring team in the league
#16 #16 Kellens Kunt Krushers (1-7) - Still the ugliest team in the league