Since my last post, 47% of the league was eliminated to the B's. The remaining 16 teams have met with eight moving on. For those of you crying about not getting a fair shake, I say grow up. 25% (4) of the playoff teams were not in the A playoffs in the Fall. Two new teams found their way to the big boy dance (Money Team and Miami). The four semi-finalists from the Fall are still alive, BUT we have three new teams in the second round of the playoffs (Money Team, Titans, Roc Nation). Name another sport where the rosters don't change, but 38% of the teams in the second round are new? You can cry about the Chargers, but in the playoffs records don't matter and all you have to do is win or GO HOME. No time for crying just time for the picks...
Field 1
9am Chargers v Giants - the boys in powder blue made quick work of the Play-in Lions. The Giants dispatched the Warriors for the second time in three weeks. These teams met earlier this season with the Chargers coming away with a hard fought win. I can tell that Charlie is taking this game seriously because he is posting videos of workouts and tagging Rich Wright every time he passes by a gym. The Chargers have limped through the season with assorted injuries and personal maladies and the Giants are playing their best ball of the season. This is going to be a dogfight, but I think the Giants overcome this hurdle and find a way to win.
10am Money Team v Saints - In the first week of the playoffs MT played a closer than expected game against Miami. The Saints proved what we all knew when the quickly disposed of the best defense in the league with a blowout of the Bulldogs. These two played in the season finale with Money Team coming out on top and with the division crown. As usual with the Saints, they did not blame, missing Anthony Drago, ineffective play calling or poor execution for the loss; they blamed the OFFICIALS. For their part Money Team has found ways to win all season. Both of their losses have come by one point and decided on extra points at the end of the game. This is another rematch. You know how it goes. Assuming the Kosher Kannon curbs his consumption of alcohol I like the Saints to send home the Reese Hill's. Ryan Williams, you can start on your excuses.... NOW!
9am Raiders v Blend - I think Gluck has his groove back. The Raiders fought off the hottest team in the league, Seahawks, for a three score victory. Lookie here, no Tom Fritts no Blend win. Tom Fritts play, Blend win. The Blend, went back to Justin at QB and coupled with the return of a salivating Tom Fritts, held TKO to one score and a gratifying win. These two played in week four with the Raiders coming away with a one point win. These two are as evenly matched as you can get. I don't do lines, at least not gambling lines, but this game is a pick 'em. Since I am picking I'll take Blend in the rematch.
10am Titans v Roc Nation - Another rematch! Both teams managed to overcome bad losses during the season to find themselves at this point. The Titans have shown steady improvement all season while Roc Nation has placed themselves firmly on the shoulders of the white Todfeec Hill. I wonder if Arroyo's presence would make a difference in the re-match or if he would approach Kilkenny the same he has approached the toothpicks he has accosted in the past. Doesn't matter really, Titans get an easy win.
11 AM Giants vs Saints - In what will be the Championship game the Saints will finally do what was expected of them before Feinstein's Bar Mitzvah. Saints will get to the finals without having to face the Charlies
11AM Blend vs Titans - For the first time in the history of the MCFFL a 500 team will make the finals. The Titans have not beaten one winning team all season until the playoffs. I think the streak ends and we will have a game between two teams that do not really care for each other.
Should be fun!