Playoff Picture

It has been a very competitive year for the Equalizer this season, with 8 teams having a shot at the playoffs this year. Particularly heated is the battle for the 5th and 6th spots, with realistically 4 or 5 teams in contention for those depending on how week 12 shakes out. So for this week, I wanted to take a look at who I think are the first two teams in the playoffs and the last two teams eliminated who would be considered "on the bubble" (very pumped college basketball season is back, Go Terps!). Let's get into it:

First Two In:
The Fat Cats - Team has taken a little fall from grace after some injuries to key players, but this team is stacked across the board. Acquired Peyton Manning in a trade this week, now boasting a lineup featuring 5 guys in the top ten at their respective position (not including Calvin Johnson). And I think they are the only team on the bubble that actually wins this week. Controlling their own destiny, the Cats easily slide into that 5th playoff spot (and can actually get bumped higher with some help) after throwing up plenty of points early in the year.

PB Pandemonium - As we have all seen before, the Pandemonium finish the year with a reckless abandon in mediocrity and are on their way to a four game losing streak to end the regular season. However, early season success may have saved the day for the Pandemonium (with some help from other teams losing this week). Made a trade this week to bolster the receiver position (particularly in the future) rolling the dice starting two Giants and two Jets... So let's be honest the TD's will steamroll the PB this weekend (Commish who's making the schedule here anyways 2 of the last 3 weeks!!) but I think there will be enough help from other teams for the Pandemonium to sneak in on point differential with a 6-6 record.

Last Two Out:
Redwood Chipalopes - Tough matchup with a revamped Dark Force this week (adding Rodgers who is playing on another level right now), I think this one is a high scoring affair with the Force ultimately prevailing. However, big question mark for the Chips is Josh Gordon and how effective he can be in his first game of 2014. One thing people lost sight of is he was able to work out in Browns facilities during his suspension and by all accounts is in incredible shape. With a mediocre QB like Hoyer likely to just try and throw it to his top guy, Gordon could absolutely explode this week against a weak Atlanta defense. Add to that Mike Evans incredible run, and the Chipalopes could sneak in there without a RB2.

Roc City Super Dudes - So some of you may think this is a desperation pick in hopes the Dudes lose and the PB Pandemonium hobble into the playoffs...and you would be absolutely correct. This matchup this week in pretty interesting. The Old Guys Club actually boasts significantly more points than the Dudes despite their 4-7 record. Most likely get Gio Bernard back (on a very limited basis) and looks more likely than not that Emmanuel Sanders suits up on Sunday. So honestly, I have a hard time picking a favorite to win in this matchup. I think the Old Guys Club wins the QB battle, the Dudes win the TE battle and the WR's are a wash. I think the RB's of the Dudes are better suited for success this week with Bernard hampered, but we know Ryan Mathews injury history. Trying to build a lot of good fantasy karma this week for the Old Guys Club (Keith you gotta get Sanders in that lineup!!).

Anyways, it's everyone's favorite time of the year, fantasy playoff time! Next week I think I will take a look at my pick for the 2014 Equalizer champ after the brackets are set, as well as my pick for the BAMA (is Kaier still looking good for a repeat? Maybe not...). Looking forward to seeing some of you fellas next week. Any torn ACL's in high noon football this year?