Gents, As I have done for the past few years, I've reviewed every team and offer up my predictions for this season. Without checking, I think I can say that I have been almost perfectly accurate in my prognostications every year so there really isn't any need to play out the season. Rolling Green wins so thanks for playing and we'll see you next spring for the draft. If everyone insists on actually playing the game, I suppose I'll participate because nothing is certain, the game is won on the field, etc, blah blah blah.. I'm okay with people telling me just how wrong they think I am. In fact, I welcome your snark so I have something to laugh about as I melt down the KRFL trophy and turn it into a crown. That said, here are your (almost) guaranteed (give or take a 30% margin of error) 2014 predictions:
NFC
NFC Landry Warrington had an amazing post-season run last season, turning a 9-7 record into a Super Bowl appearance before falling to the New York Hitmen. While it is unlikely that they can repeat that performance this year, they still need to be considered the presumptive favorite to win this division but only by the slimmest of margins. Kutztown could challenge as should a perennial playoff team Penn State looking to rebound from a disappointing 2013 campaign. Bensalem made major steps forward through the draft but realistically is one season away from competing for the division title. This group is so tightly matched that inter-divisional play will determine the winner.
NFC Lombardi Two years out from their surprising championship run, Southwest Florida might find it difficult to win the division with an up and coming Lakeland team nipping at their heels. It's doubtful that Carolina will match last season's winning record. Cincinnati begins the the climb out of two seasons at 0-16 and wins a handful of games.
NFC Brown Atlanta should overcome Bay City, a team that retains the best defensive backfield in the league but has dropped off in all other categories. The other Italian teams, Bronx and Barcelona, are treading water this year and will need great coaching performances to make the playoffs.
AFC Madden Despite a salary cap forced fire sale, Salem has put together the division winner. Watch out next year when their rookie draft picks (7 in the first two rounds) hit the field. Crown City could make the playoffs while Seattle will struggle after last year's success. In town rival West Seattle is improved and could overachieve.
AFC Halas By all measures, Las Vegas was the best team in the KRFL last season but will be dinged this year once QB Aaron Rodgers gets injured. That leaves the door open for upstart Rolling Green who could win the league's toughest division with a newly obtained Drew Brees at QB. Vancouver remains a competitive squad that could make the playoffs again while Inverness might squeak out one or two more wins compared to last year.
AFC Shula With Peyton Manning at QB, New York should be a lock for another playoff berth but will get a serious challenge from the up and coming Cleveland Rocks. New owner Mark Blume takes on a rebuilding project with Waunakee (formerly Turin). Alabama slips a bit.
You were pretty accurate last season (of course without having the benefit of knowing about in-season trades). You predicted 19 of the 24 teams within three wins of their actual number of wins. And you nailed almost half the league within two wins. You missed badly on Las Vegas, as Dan boldly predicted you would. ;>0
Sadly, that means you are probably correct about my team. I did not consider myself in "rebuilding mode". Based on your prediction, maybe I should be........
