Oof ... not that it likely would have mattered, but I didn't mean to run my backup QB @ Black Panthers. Guess I know how far away from ready he is now.

Alright, it is that time of the season, get ready for my way too early playoff predictions! Only one quarter of the way into the season (Some teams only have 3 games due to early bye weeks) and I believe predictions can be made

AC EAST

Leverkusen Leopards (4-0)
Need I say anything? Without Torchwood Timelords to compete with, the Leopards are basically handed the division. Look for a solid 15-1 finish.

Ironclads (3-1)
This team is good, but not on the same level as the Leopards. The loss to a good Total Domination team is not bad, but can they compete with every team they face, much less the Leopards? Not this season. 11-5 finish would be an accomplishment with their schedule. They should take a Wildcard spot though, given the lack of teams in the division to compete with for second place.

Spaceball BOT
Richmond Romans BOT

AC NORTH

Florida Gators (3-0)
I can't pick against my team, especially after a solid start, including a revenge win over the Poznan Knights in a high scoring divisional rivalry game, and a solid stand against the West Geatish Warriors to avenge last season's heartbreaking loss. Looking to improve from last season's inexplicable collapse and failure to capture the divisional title to make it 7 straight, this season the team seems to be on a mission to dismantle everyone. A loss to the Leopards is fairly likely, as well as the Berinsfield Hornets, predicting a 13-3 season to be safe.

Poznan Knights (2-2)
This team is hard to read. As the only divisional rival to steal the title from us, as well as taking multiple wins from us, they are not to be taken lightly. With one game already in our favor, and a two game lead, barring another monumental collapse, they will remain in second place. Possible Wildcard spot but not highly likely given the Ironclads and Bradford Bulls seem to be more complete teams right now.

North Brisbane Pirates BOT
Larry Claymores BOT

AC SOUTH

Saint Leo University Lions (4-0)
So far so good for the Lions, beating all three divisional opponents in their first of two meetings this season. Solid start, but that streak ends when they face the Burnaby Bruisers in their next game. Still, I pick them to take the divison title home for the second time in 3 seasons. Watch for them to become contenders in the coming seasons. Easily possible that they finish 13-3.

Bradford Bulls (3-1)
So far they have played either low ranked or bot teams, or Saint Leo. Hard to tell just how good they are yet, but early signs suggest that they are not likely to repeat as division champs. A Wildcard spot is obtainable though. 11-5 would be solid for them.

Yorkshire Terriers (2-2)
These guys need some big wins to prove they can compete in Monarchs 1, as a newcomer they will be hard pressed this season, but should be able to collect some solid wins. 8-8 would be a good start.

Chicago Blizzard BOT

AC WEST

West Geatish Warriors (3-1)
With the only loss coming in a close game to the Florida Gators, the Warriors are looking solid. Beating Park Ridge Owls gives their legitimacy a boost, and considering they have all bots to face in their division, its all but assured they reach the playoffs. They should reach 13-3 on the season, possibly 14-2.

Strasbourg Bretzels BOT
New Haven Masons BOT
RiverCity Fire BOT


NC EAST

Burnaby Bruisers (4-0)
Have they ever done poorly? Not in recent history and that won't change now. I look for them to run away with their division by at least 5 wins. Absolutely pick them to finish no worse than 14-2.

Pre Malones (2-1)
With low quality opponents in their wins, but a solid Saint Leo team as a loss, these guys are a clear favorite to take second place in the division. 12-4 would be about as high as they could finish, perhaps 11-5 is more realistic. Solid performance, possible Wildcard appearance.

Fehervari Malacok (1-3)
How a team that held the Bruisers to just 17 points has managed just 1 win is beyond me. They can still turn things around, but things aren't looking great right now. 8-8 is a generous prediction at this point.

Houston Cougars (0-4)
Likely falling bot soon, they have struggled this season. They gained two safeties against Fehervari Malacok, and played close with SARMIS, but were blown out bigtime the last two games. If they fall bot, expect no more than 1-2 wins against other bot teams. If they remain active, even 6 wins feels like a lot.

NC NORTH

Total Domination (4-0)
The offense is nothing overly impressive, but considering they have allowed 0 touchdowns over 4 games, this team looks pretty good. They should take their division title home, with a 12-4 record to boot.

Midnight Marauders (2-2)
Though currently behind SARMIS in point differential, they hold the head to head lead by virtue of a statement win over SARMIS. I expect that trend to continue and for the Marauders to finish 10-6. Slim chance at a Wildcard spot.

SARMIS (2-2)
When they win, they look good, and when they lose, they get embarrassed. With a loss to the Marauders, I expect them to fall behind to a mediocre 8-8 finish.

Birney's Weekenders (1-2)
With only 3 games under their belt, they have already fallen behind. Granted, they lost to good teams, but does that mean they are good? Maybe, maybe not. By ratings, they are the worst in their division, but have played better against higher tier opponents than their divisional rivals. still, 8-8 feels about right for them right now.

NC SOUTH

Paxtang Black Panthers (4-0)
Is it any surprise that the Panthers are back and making a case to return to the playoffs? Solid team all around, close win over Berinsfield Hornets to lead the division. Barring any unexpected losses, these guys look good to finish 15-1.

Berinsfield Hornets (3-1)
Their only loss is against Paxtang, making them a clear favorite to secure a Wildcard spot with a likely 12-4 record. Solid performance is a must, but they can do it.

Dusseldorf Panthers (0-4)
Yes they have lost every game, however, they will certainly secure 3rd in the division, as the remaining member is a bot. I expect a gutsy performance down the road and a 7-9 finish.

Parachute City Sparks BOT

NC WEST

Park Ridge Owls (2-1)
Though they are currently second place in the division, they are the second highest rated in their division, and with the loss to a very solid West Geatish Warriors, I expect them to surge past their rivals. 13-3 is more than likely.

Peterborough Pirates (2-2)
Currently ranked third, they will rise to second place by virtue of rating and the fact that they started the season with two games that were nearly impossible for them to win. they will come back and finish with at least an 11-5 record.

Space Kraken (3-1)
I hate to burst the bubble for Kraken fans, but the team just doesn't have the players right now to realistically win the division without major outside help. They will do well, perhaps 11-5 but likely 10-6. It could be the tightest divisional race in Monarchs 1 simply because of the early advantage they currently enjoy.

Somerton Crabs (1-3)
These guys have fought hard in all of their losses, and have a convincing win over Dusseldorf Panthers. I expect a major turn around, but will it be enough? 10-6 would be impressive given their current state, they could move to third in the division. Their high team rating makes me wonder how they have fallen so far behind, lots of work to do to get back in a playoff discussion.

Great job, gatorfan1!

Your check is in the mail!

How dare you burst the bubble for Kraken fans! Unacceptable...

On a serious note I'm pleasantly surprised at my team's play so far, although I was hoping for one more year of top draft picks.

Thanks for the effort on the cool write up, but you forgot the Yorkshire Tigers

Great writeup. Shaping up for a good wildcard race in NC, hopefully.

Is Kraken Believers the official fan club? "unleash the Kraken" is right there for a slogan, and an official spiced liquor is right there too.

Nice preview.
I will try to top your prediction.

Monarchs Bowl S37:
We are having 13 teams registered for this seasons friendly cup and it doesn't look like we will get 3 more...

I am intending to set last years bowl participants Leopards and Black Panthers as group heads and to draw the remaining 5 particiants as everyone registered quickly.

If anyone has a better ideas or wants to be removed from the draw, please let me know.

Sounds good to me.
It's tough to get 16 teams together, especially if only from 1 region.

Thanks mate!

Alright, I will be awaiting it, as well as finally getting to beat your guys later this season

LOL I wouldn't mind being proven wrong, you have probably the most interesting division race right now, great work so far

And no problem mate, thanks for catching the omission, I have corrected it now