PT FANTASY FOOTBALL

WEEK

PLAYOFFS

I think the South Division has finally woken up. After three straight weeks of the North Division pulling ahead, the North is now only 2.72 points above the South. If the playoffs would start this week, both divisions would sport 4 teams.

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WEEK 6 Analysis

I did an analysis of each unbeaten & winless team for week 5... Here are the results

HP Lampshades vs. Mad Max - Yet another week that the Lampshades will have to really pull something out of their sleeve to keep their win-streak alive. Both teams have most of their starters in the game, but the PTL has to lean towards keeping the streak alive. Look for the Lampshades to pull off another win over the Mad Max's in week 7. Then it's only one more week to tie the PTL Record!
WRONG - Mad Max Won

And now... back to those loveable losers

Culture Club vs. PT Riptides - SOMEONE, yes SOMEONE will win this game. One of these two teams will be able to pull away with a "W" and the other moves on to PTL Futility. We believe, due to bye weeks and inactivity that the Culture Club will finally win and send the Riptides back to the sea.
WRONG - Those PT Rip Tides Won

LOOKING AHEAD

Here is a look at the league, half-way through.

#1 Your Daddy - Coach: Bryon Graeber
After the Lampshades lost for the first time in week 7, Your Daddy was able to climb up to the top spot. With a total score of 744.80, they are PTL's best team by far sporting an average of over 107 points per game. They have also only had two games under 100 points. This total is misleading, however, due to the fact that the first seven opponents have a combined record of 22-27. They are also only three games away from being out of the playoffs. But don't count these bad-boys out yet. Their opponents average score for the remainder of the season is 90.56, while their average (see above) is 107 per game. At PTL we expect to see Your Daddy deep into the playoffs
Playoff Potentional: HIGH
Wins Needed to Guarantee Spot: @4

#2 HP Lampshades - Coach: Shawn Allred (Opie)
The Lampshades came oh-so close to the PTL record for wins in a row & wins from the start of the season. This was due to their opponents having a combined record of only 19-30. But we can't attribute it totally to luck. The Lampshades have been averaging more than 105 points per game, while their opponents have only been averaging 88.73. the PTL's second ranked team is looking to continue to steam into the playoffs as their 105 average will go up against a slightly better 89.33 for the remainder of the season. We expect to see the Lampshades stay atop the league and shine through all the way to week 17.
Playoff Potential: HIGH
Wins Needed to Guarantee Spot: @4

#3 Raleigh Lightning - Coach: Pat Clancy
The upstart Lightnings were a big surprise to the 2005 PTL Season. With new coaches there is generally a period of adjustment, but with this team, they stepped in to play hard and win. Sporting an average of 100 points per game, they are 5th in the league in points, while their opponents are being held to just 88. Their adversaries' average is only 18-31, which shows an easier schedule. This fact makes them an interesting team to watch in the next 7 weeks. The remaining teams they face have an average of 90 points, only 10 away from the Lightning average. At PTL we believe we will see the Lightning face off for the first time in the PTL Playoffs, but we don't expect to see them go in with only one loss.
Playoff Potential: HIGH
Wins Needed to Guarantee Spot: @4

#4 Carolina Mud Dogs - Coach: Dan Stevenson
As we have found out in past years, don't ever count out the Mud Dogs. The 2003 Champions are back and better than ever in 2005. With an average score of over 100 points, they are leading the South in wins and in points. Their opponents' combined record is a mighty 32-17, and they are constantly playing the giant killer going against teams such as Raleigh Lightning, Lampshades, & PT Bruisers. If there is one team that has the "it" factor in 2005, it's these tough Dogs. They have blown past many of the North Division's opponents in their non-conference games, and with the remainder of games stuck in the South, they are looking like they will come up smelling like roses. Expected averages of the next 7 weeks is only 89 points. 11 points above their average
Playoff Potential: HIGH
Wins Needed to Guarantee Spot: @5

#5 PT Bruisers - Coach: Chris Barton
Yet another addition to the PTL that is showing just how tough their team can be. The Bruisers have the 5th toughest schedule and some how have been able to garner a record of 5-2 and escape the fact their average (96) is only one touchdown above their opponents average (90). The team this year, has been a bit unpredictible, scoring 75 in one week, and following it up with a score of 110 in the next (nice number). If the bruisers expect to make it to the playoffs, they might need to rein in the team a little more and keep that average higher. In the next seven weeks they will play opponents who have been average 90+ points a game. Again, this is less than a touch down. The Bruisers could go either way as they venture towards the post-season, we'll have to sit and wait.
Playoff Poetntial: MEDIUM
Wins Needed to Guarantee Spot: @5

#6 Leviathans - Coach: Andy Atkins
Once again, a new coach has suprised the PTL staff and is well on their way to a post-season appearance. Sporting an average of 93 points per game, they have been on top of the South Division for several weeks. Their luck might change, however, as they head into the last 7 weeks of the regular season. Their next 7 opponents have an average score of over 92 points, only one point away from the Leviathans. This forecast is dim for the dragon-serpents. They will need to win these tight games in order to get the wins needed to enter the playoffs.
Playoff Potential: LOW-MEDIUM
Wins Needed to Guarantee Spot: @5

#7 Jagermeisters - Coach: Chad Evans
Sporting the 4th best points in the league, the Jagers are on tap to make their way into the PTL Playoffs. There are many indicators to see the red & white in the post season. A: They Have the Easiest Schedule overall in the PTL, B: Their remaining opponents have an average score of 86 (16 points below the Jagers), C: They are consistently above 90 points per game, and D: They have post-season experience. Although the Meisters have lost 3 games in the first half of the season, their record by far doesn't do them justice. We fully expect to see them get back on their feet & probably end up in the top 4 teams of the league.
Playoff Potential: HIGH
Wins Needed to Guarantee Spot: @6

#8 Jurocks - Coach: Sam Vegter
Although a storied team of the past, the Jurocks have been struggling to find their groove in 2005. Only in week 7 have they finally been able to climb into the playoff race. The team's average is a heafy 91, but they have also seen individual weeks where they would score as low as 38. The team is just not consistent. If they have any hope to keep their spot in the playoff race, they will need to maintain that consistency, or find it somewhere on the waiver wire. Their future opponents are scoring an average of 90 points, again one behind what the Jurocks have been able to do. It's definitely going to be a tight race to the finish for this team
Playoff Potential: LOW-MEDIUM
Wins Needed to Guarantee Spot: @6

Week 8


Jagermeisters vs. PT Riptides (41+ Point Underdog)	Tempered Onyx vs. Barenjagers 0.75 Spread	Jurocks (Underdog) vs. Mud Dogs

LOOKING AHEAD Part II

#9 Tempered Onyx - Coach: Cornelius Logan
Oh how the Onyx has fallen. After losing three games in a row, they are now sitting one seat out of the playoffs. The team's average at this point is 88, while their opponents are sitting at only 87. For the next seven games, their opponents sit at 86, giving them only a slightly better chance at winning their games. The Onyx could go either way for the remainder of 2005, but somehow they usually pull off the wins needed to get to the next level.
Playoff Potential: LOW-MEDIUM
Wins Needed to Guarentee Spot: @6

#10 Barenjagers - Coach: Blankenship
A team once thought to not survive the season, the Barenjagers have been able to weather the storm fairly well. Thier record of 4-3 is only one win away from the playoffs, but they have a tough road ahead. The BJ's (as we like to call them) have the #7th hardest schedule in the PTL, and with an average of 87, they are actually two points BEHIND their opponents. In the next 7 games their opponents average 88 points, keeping them within one point. We believe that the Barnejagers might have finally ran out of luck, and will probably not see the light of PTL Playoffs.
Playoff Potential: LOW
Wins Needed to Guarentee Spot: @6

#11 Kryptonite - Coach: Billy Asis
The Kryptonites are another team that seems to be hanging on by just a thread. Their average score is only 79, while their opponents have been scoring 87. Some-how, some way they have been able to scrape up four wins. The remainder of the season pumps the Kryptonite's opponents score up to 90 points, more than 10 points above their current average. It will be very hard to find those wins needed to make the PTL playoffs in 2005
Playoff Potential: VERY LOW
Wins Needed to Guarentee Spot: @6

#12 Mtnears - Coach: Keith Farmer
The Mtnears are the best worst team in the PTL. Haunted by high scoring games, their opponents have been scoring 87 points per game, while they've been averaging 103! This fact alone shows how unpredictiable this league can be. The Mtnears have the 3rd BEST points in the PTL, while they sit four spots away from the playoffs. It boggles the mind. For the next seven games their opponents average drops four points to 83. We can only expect the Mtnears to finally get back on track and start winning games again. After-all, they are only one game away from a playoff spot, and three games away from challenging the #1 &2 teams. We'll see good things from these guys in the next few weeks
Playoff Potential: HIGH
Wins Needed to Guarentee Spot: @7

#13 Mad Max - Coach Maxtin Artis
The Max' are another good team that can't seem to find a way to win. Their opponent's record is a good 29-20, so it goes to show that this team has been tested well in the first half of the season. Their opponents have been averaging around 89 points, while the Mad Men have been just above that at 91. In the next seven weeks their opponents will drop by just a point, giving the team a much needed break. This break might be a little to late, for this team, however, as they will face 4 potential playoff teams down the home-stretch.
Playoff Potential: LOW-MEDIUM
Wins Needed to Guarentee Spot: @7

#14 GoBills! - Coach John Haas
With only two games above 100, the GoBills! squad has a lot of catching up to do if they plan on making a run at the trophy. The team's average is a meager 79, while their opponents are averaging 92. This equals the PTL's hardest schedule. In the next seven weeks the load doesn't lighten as the GoBills will be facing squads averaging 91 points a game. It just doesn't look too good for the Red & Blue
Playoff Potential: VERY LOW
Wins Needed to Guarentee Spot: @7

#15 That's My B*tch - Coach Carson Vermillion
Although Half-blown to pieces by two hurricanes the B*tches have been playing fairly decent as they've won the past two games in a row. The team, showing definite improvement, might still have a chance at making the playoffs if they can continue their past three game average of 92.95. So far this year they have faced PTL teams averaging 88 points per game. For the next seven weeks the B*tches can expect to see squads coming at them with an average of only 85 points per game. The sentimental team of the year, we still migth see the black and gold in the 2005 playoffs
Playoff Potential: LOW-MEDIUM
Wins Needed to Guarentee Spot: @7 & Help

#16 Lone Rangers - Coach Jamie Rutter
To win the PTL, you must win at first in the draft. Unfortunately for the Rangers, it looks like their draft did not go so well. With a record of 2-5, they are among one of the worst teams in the league. With a team average of 76, they are 16 points behind their opponents average. Looking down the road we can see that the opponents will slacken slightly to 91 points per game. Unfortunately for the Rangers, the stats are showing a no-show into the 2005 playoffs
Playoff Potential: VERY LOW
Wins Needed to Guarentee Spot: @7 & Help

#17 The Inferno - Coach Leon Corpening
In 2005 the Pepperstone Pyros were the Cinderella team of the century. The worst team in the league was able to set a fire to a winning streak that sneaked them into the playoffs and all the way to a championship. If the Inferno's are going to follow in those footsteps they had better hurry. The team has only 2 wins on the year and is currently averaging 76 points per game. Their opponents, however, are averaging 91 points per game. The next seven games doesn't look any different for the Inferno, as they have quite a hill to climb. Unfortunatly for the former Pepperstone Pyros... it looks like their flame has been extinguished
Playoff Potential: VERY LOW
Wins Needed to Guarentee Spot: @7 & Help

#18 Goo Crew - Coach Andrew Lejurne (sp?)
Yet another old PTL team, the Goo Crew has definitely been struggling this year. The team is 9th in the league with total points, but they have not been able to put those points where they are needed. The Crew has been losing the close games, and they need to find a way to get their team to up their pointage by just the smallest of margins to start winning some games. The team average a heafty 90 points per game, while their opponents are averaging 86. It's absolutely amazing that this team has only been able to manage 1 (yes that ONE!) win this year. If there is a cinderella team in the making it could be the Goo Crew, in the next seven weeks their opponents drop their average to 83 and we can only imagine that they will start winning a few games. They might... just might be able to sneak into one of the lower spots in the Playoffs
Playoffs Potential: LOW-MEDIUM
Wins Needed to Guarentee Spot: @7 & +Help

#19 PT Riptides - Coach ???
Yuck.... How in the world did this team win in week 7! The tides are an abandoned team as you might see by looking at their waiver wire transactions. They had a good shot at being the worst team in PTL history, but somehow managed to win by .7 points over the other worst team in the PTL. No horizon in sight for this team.
Playoff Potential: NON-EXISTENT
Wins Needed to Guarentee Spot: @7 & +Help

#20 The Culture Club - Coach Jordan ??
Wow, the poor clubbers can't seem to buy a break. With 14 moves on the waiver wire they are really trying to win, but they can't seem to buy a break. And the PTL isn't throwing them any help in the next 7 weeks. As the season comes to a close their opponents average jumps to 93 points, 25 points above the Clubber's average. All in all, we'll see you guys in 2006.
Playoff Potential: VERY VERY LOW
Wins Needed to Guarentee Spot: @7 +MAJOR HELP

Men from the boys

Dateline…

The Raleigh Lightening has successfully wrapped up the first half of the season with an impressive 6-1 mark. They now press their luck during the second half of the season in hopes to achieve a playoff berth.

When asked about his schedule Raleigh Coach, Governor Mike Easley said, “This is a tale of two seasons. On the one hand you have only faced one team that currently has winning record. On the other hand five of the next seven games will be against opponents who are above .500. This should really highlight the difficult schedule for the second half of the season”

When approached, Owner, General Manager, Director of Operations and Overall Nice Guy – Patrick Clancy – had this to say, “Our best hope is that we split the second half of the season and finish 10-4. This means we have to steal a game from one of our tougher opponents. Still, it’s too early to tell if that will be good enough to make the playoffs. There are several good teams on the horizon that could catch a winning streak in the second half of the season and jeopardize our playoff hopes. As a new comer to the PTL, we are happy to just make an impact in the league.”

An even larger indicator is the fact that outside of the Carolina Muddogs (5-2), the Raleigh Lightning’s opponents combined win total is 12 or an average of 2 per team. “When we finally met some strong competition, we were blown away.” The Carolina Muddogs, a new in-state rivalry and an intra league foe, “ - whooped our butts when we met. When the rubber meets the road, what type of team will we be?” said the owner.

The Raleigh Lightening has faced other stiff competition that has recently slipped in the rankings. The Mtnears were 3-1 when they faced the lightening but since that match up has dropped three in a row. While they 3-4 Mtnears have a losing record, their 723 points is more than 17 other teams in the league. “These guys have one of the toughest schedules and they are out there making the points, but they are just falling short of victory. We were lucky to get a game from them and it took our highest single game performance to beat them. Any other week we would have lost to them.”

The same goes for the Goo Crew (1-6) and the PT Riptides (1-6). The Raleigh Lightening survived with just a three-point margin of victory for both meetings. “ If we are to survive in the PTL, we definitely need to continue to build consistency from our players week in and week out. We have talent, we have players that can find the endzone and make a goal line stop, but these guys need to bring their A game each week in order to survive. It is like I have said all season, on any given Sunday any team can win.”

The 6-1 mark has certainly not hurt the crowd at Flash Stadium. The nearly capacity crowd has been extremely supportive. “I love watching these guys” one unidentified fan said. “ These guys know how to win and my family loves to see the camels.”

The camels have become a sideshow affair for the Raleigh Lightening who has entered a 20-year deal with Abdullah’s Camel Dealership. “We are honored that Lightening likes camels. My family has been in camel business for over 3000 years” said Abdullah, Owner and 69th generation camel dealer. “ Come on down and get your own two hump camel. We are now offering employee discounts on all three-year-old camels. You won’t pay a dime more than what one of our feed hands would pay.”

What happens with Raleigh Lightening now is up to them. They have the financial support, the fan support and a healthy roster, but can they make PTL history. Only time will tell.