Got me a few hours sleep and I'm now awake enough to continue typing.
Super Wildcard WeekendNational ConferenceBirmingham Stallions (12-4) @ New York Stars (12-4)Point Spread: New York -6
Birmingham: Offense
7th Defense
5thNew York: Offense
13th Defense
8thPlayoff Records: Birmingham 8-15 (0-1 World Bowl)
New York 5-11
Head to Head: Birmingham beat New York 20-3 Week 12 of this season. This is the first time these teams have played each other in the post season.
Injuries: Birmingham 6 probable
New York 3 probable, 2 doubtful
Prediction: Birmingham 34 New York 20
These teams have the same record but got there in opposite ways. Birmingham started the season 2-3 before winning 10 of their last 11, including handing New Orleans their only loss. The closest game during the streak was an 11 point win, so the Stallions are playing their best ball. New York started the season 10-1 before going 2-3 down the stretch. The Stars arrow is pointing up for the future and they've come a long way from a very low point, but I feel this is just another step. They'll play well but fall to a statistically better team before they improve some more next season.
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Orlando Renegades (11-5) @ Jacksonville Bulls (13-3)Point Spread: Jacksonville -2
Orlando: Offense
9th Defense
4thJacksonville: Offense
1st Defense
14thPlayoff Records: Orlando 11-15 (0-1 World Bowl)
Jacksonville 7-13
Head to Head: Jacksonville swept Orlando this season, winning 23-14 Week 10 and 25-22 Week 14. Jacksonville is 1-0 vs Orlando in the post season.
Injuries: Orlando 2 probable
Jacksonville 7 probable, 1 questionable, 1 Out
Prediction: Jacksonville 24 Orlando 18
When I was compiling my notes for this thread, I was surprised to see Jacksonville had the #1 offense in the league. I was thinking it would have been San Jose or Houston, but no, it's the Bulls. In the last 8 games of the season Jacksonville scored at least 40 in 6 of those, with the only 2 non 40 point games coming against tonight's opponent Orlando. Jacksonville is 4-2 against playoff teams while Orlando went 1-4. A Renegades win wouldn't surprise me as IoanBlood is a playoff regular and is capable of beating any team at any time, but it seems Jacksonville has their number this season.
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New Jersey Generals (10-6) @ Pittsburgh Maulers (13-3)Point Spread: Pittsburgh -10
New Jersey: Offense
16th Defense
17thPittsburgh: Offense
6th Defense
2ndPlayoff Records: New Jersey 42-25 (4-6 World Bowl)
Pittsburgh 23-15 (2-2 World Bowl)
Head to Head: Pittsburgh beat New Jersey 43-3 Week 11 of 2007. New Jersey is 4-2 against Pittsburgh in the post season.
Injuries: New Jersey 7 probable, 3 questionable
Pittsburgh 3 probable, 4 questionable
Prediction: Pittsburgh 38 New Jersey 10
Let's be real here, my only shot is to be +4 or better in turnover margin. That's how my average team even made the playoffs, we were 5th in the league with a +15 turnover margin. Without a big turnover margin, I fear we're gonna get creamed.