Just for kicks, I am going to do a top 10 power ranking after each league game. I am basing my ranking on strength of schedule, strength of wins and a dash of personal opinion. The analysis I provide will probably be a little suspect and should be consumed for entertainment purposes only.

I want to start by giving a shout out to the London Royals. They have one of the toughest schedules in the league this season. In fact, it is the toughest in the NC. They have a long road ahead of them and I want to wish them the best of luck.

Let's get on with the rankings...

10. frenchkiss - Current ELO 846
This team seems to like to keep the playbook simple, but they field a heck of a team capable of long playoff runs. This was an Elite League team back in season 48.
Season Outlook: Count on these guys making the playoffs.

9. Rostov Rednecks - Current ELO 791
This is a deceptively strong team. They only have a 65% overall ranking, but are capable of taking down much higher rated teams. They made the conference championship last year losing a close one to Maykops Dynamos.
Season Outlook: I expect this team to climb in the rankings as the season progresses.

8. Niceville Norsemen - Current ELO 886
It is difficult to objectively assess your own team, but I expect to make the playoffs as a wildcard team again this year.
Season Outlook: Don't sleep on me guys.

7. Bonaval Acorns - Current ELO 864
The Acorns came in 3rd in their division last season, but have the roster to go further this season given a weaker schedule than division rival neroverde
Season Outlook: Look for the Acorns to take a step forward this season.

6. Aberthaw Dolphins - Current ELO 870
Now we start to get into the top tier teams. The Dolphins are a perrennial contender in Fire. This team is capable of a very long run and a possible promotion to Elite this season.
Season Outlook: This team is absolutely capable of taking it all. Look for them to make a very deep playoff run, despite having one of the toughest schedules in the league this season.

5. Gladiatori Roma - Current ELO 1018
My division rival! Especially considering we are the only two in our division. All the teams from 6 on up could take the championship this season. I would be surprised if this team doesn't make the conference championship this season.
Season Outlook: A strong team with a great playbook and a weak schedule mean this team will be in the playoffs where you can expect them to be a force.

4. Pitcairn Bounty Mutineers - Current ELO 1028
This team has few weaknesses and the manager is a seasoned veteran. They have won 7 division titles in a row.
Season Outlook: No one wants to play this team. They will take the division title again this season, despite being in the strongest division in the league.

3. Glastonbury Grail Knights - Current ELO 949
This is one of the newcomers to Fire this season. Despite having a lower ELO, they are ranked high due to the fact that this team will enjoy the second weakest schedule in the entire league. There is no way this team does not make the playoffs.
Season Outlook: They will get to the playoffs for sure, but we may not get a feel for just how good this team is until then. For now, they are number 3 on the list.

2. Stuttgart Stormtroopers - Current ELO 744
My favorite team logo in all of RZA! I am a firm believer that to be the best, you have to beat the best. The 'Troopers have the lowest ELO of our top ten, but they are coming off a season in Elite. If you don't like where they are on shown here, beat them on the field and prove me wrong!
Season Outlook: The 'Troopers have the easiest schedule of any team in the league. I expect the 'Troopers to win their division, and then make some noise in the NC playoffs.

1. Fargo Knights - Current ELO 1032
This team could go undefeated throughout the regular season and the playoffs. If you think you are ready to play in Elite, here is a great way to to see. Play this team. The manager is a seasoned vet and the roster is clicking on all cylinders.
Season Outlook: I fully expect this team to promote again to Elite at the end of the season. There a several teams that could win it all, then there are the Fargo Knights who should win it all.

Random Thoughts:

What a game between Rostov Rednecks and Dolphins Pisa yesterday. The teams were separated by a single point in ELO rating. The Dolphins turned the tide in the second half and squeaked out a 27 to 25 win at home to start the season.

I am looking forward to the upcoming matchup between Gladiatori Roma and Stuttgart Stormtroopers. We will get a sense of where these two teams stand in a game that could shake up the power rankings.

It was difficult not to put neroverde in the top ten. They had such a strong showing last season, but ran face first into a very determined Gladiatori Roma team in the wildcard round.

The STEELERS benefitted from a weak division last season, but lost to the Rednecks in the Divisional round last season. This season, things get complicated by the one of our newest teams, the Glastonbury Grail Knights, who join the STEELERS in the AC SOUTH. The good news for the STEELERS, they have the third weakest schedule of the league. However, the Knights schedule is the second weakest.

That's it for now. I hope this was as entertaining to read as it was to come up with it all.

I like the analysis, seems pretty accurate.

I'll continue trying to fight for that playoff spot as well, going 11-5 in the toughest division last season kept me out, and now Fargo comes into the picture to replace Makyop who promoted, maybe one season I'll catch a break and get an easier division .

Until then, I'll keep plugging away as my team develops from pure homegrown talent.

Thank You

Overall record is going to play a big role in the rankings to start, but as we get more human on human games under our belts, our rankings will get a bit more clear. This go around, I correct two wrongs from the last power rankings and we have a major shakeup already at the top of our list! Let's dive right in!

10. negbone (2-0) - Last week's rank N/A
For me, negbone is tough team to figure out. They have a young roster and keep their coaches wages to a minimum, but really get the most out of their squad. They beat a solid Bonaval Acorns team and have first place in their division, so they are sliding in to our rankings this round at #10!

9. Niceville Norsemen (2-0) - Last week's rank #8
Beating up on bots is not a good way to measure a team and others are playing human games. My shot is coming up, so I may be leaving the list!

8. Rostov Rednecks (1-1) - Last week's rank #9
The Rednecks are first place in their division and coming off a road win. They face the Romanian Sharks next week in a divisional battle. Will a win be enough to keep the Rednecks in the rankings?

7. neroverde (2-0) - Last week's rank N/A
It felt like a mistake to leave neroverde out of the rankings last time. After a quality win against frenchkiss, I was not about to repeat that mistake. neroverde debuts in our rankings at number 7.

6. Aberthaw Dolphins (2-0) - Last week's rank #6
The Dolphins looked a little shaky in the first round and faced a bot opponent this last game. It is not time to press the panic button for sure, but keep an eye on this team. The Dolphins stand pat for now.

5. Stuttgart Stormtroopers (1-1) - Last week's rank #2
This is the OTHER one loss team in the rankings. It was a quality loss though. Gladiatori Roma held off a last quarter comeback to win 27-20 against the Stormtroopers. The Troopers drop 3 spots this round.

4. Gladiatori Roma (2-0) - Last week's rank #5
See above. The Gladiators ran a strong ground game and while their QB made his fair share of mistakes, he spread the ball around in the passing game and made the throws that needed to be made. This is slowly becoming an offensively balanced team.

3. Pitcairn Bounty Mutineers (2-0) - Last week's rank #4
Success is all about winning the games you should win. The Bounty Mutineers have been handling business their last two games and there is no indication that will change anytime soon.

2. Glastonbury Grail Knights (2-0) - Last week's rank #3
Solidly in 1st place in their division with a massive point difference advantage in week 2! This team is a steamroller and they have a young roster. If they don't promote and they stick around in Fire, these guys are going to be causing headaches for managers around this league for a while.

1. Fargo Knights (2-0) - Last week's rank #1
No surprise here. The Knights played a bot this last go around, but there is no doubt in my mind that this is the number 1 team in the league right now.

Random Thoughts:

I drew Fargo Knights next game. Lucky me. I may not get back on this list after this week!

The STEELERS have a tough game against the Glastonbury Grail Knights. I am intrigued by this matchup. The STEELERS won their division last season. Now they have the Knights for company. If they win this one, they will make the rankings for sure!

Another matchup to keep an eye on, Gladiatori Roma vs. Champ Chompers! Gladiatori Roma is a top tier team in my mind, but Chompers is putting the work in. The last two meetings had the Chompers losing by 20 or more points. This is a good barometer game. Have the Chompers closed the gap?

That's it for now! Good luck to everyone this next round!

Yeah, a rough matchup for both of our teams coming up. It has been a few months since I last played Glad, so yeah hoping I have closed the gap from 20 points. If I could keep it within a touchdown or two I would call it a victory in my books.

Your team is looking pretty good as well, so don't count yourself out even if you lose this week against a tough Fargo team .

I'm actually stuck right now debating if I want to pay this QB of mine top dollars... he wants close to $600k, I should have slowed his training down a bit and waited to get him on another franchise contract, but I don't have a great option to back him up after this season.

He might be too expensive to sell too. Although he is young. That really bites. I feel for you. The kid is a stud too. A little more speed and he would be unstoppable. Still, that salary! Personally, I think I would rather build up my funds than win right now. If I did promote this season, or even next, I would be right back here the season after. I would rather have the ability to get to Elite and afford to stay there. I have seen a few teams come back here flat broke after a season in Elite. They're just trying to stay competitive, because as we all know, losing every game sucks. But the penalties for going broke are crazy harsh! I do NOT recommend it.

Good luck Golrath. That is a tough decision.

Noooooooo, I fought hard with the game tied up 23 to 23 going into the 4th quarter, but I couldn't seal the deal against Gladiatori. They for sure still outplayed me in all aspects, but it shows my team is maturing nicely.

Overall I'm pleased with the result, and hope my team can keep pushing some of these tougher teams like this.

I had a very unexpected, busy weekend and did not get around to the list, but I am back in the saddle and ready for another round. Without further ado, let's get down to it!

10. Niceville Norsemen (3-1) - Last week's rank #10
Had I done a list for week 3, I likely would have not put myself on it. My team had no chance against Fargo Knights. Number 10 on this list for me came down to my team and Frenchkiss though. My team has won the last couple of playoff meetings between our teams, so that was the criteria for being here.

9. STEELERS (3-1) - Last week's rank N/A
Their only loss is to the Glastonbury Grail Knights. The team suffers a little from lack of team chemistry, but this is a team quite capable of making the playoffs.

8. Bonaval Acorns (3-1) - Last week's rank N/A
The Acorns dropped a game to negbone in the second week, but had a strong showing against neroverde this last game.

7. Rostov Rednecks (3-1) - Last week's rank #8
After dropping the season opener to Dolphins Pisa, the Rednecks have taken care of business and sit in first place in their division. A tough matchup this week as the Aberthaw Dolphins come to town.

6. Aberthaw Dolphins (4-0) - Last week's rank #6
The Dolphins continue their march to the playoffs with a spotless record. Next up, the Rostov Rednecks. In their last matchup, the Dolphins picked up the victory by a field goal.

5. Stuttgart Stormtroopers (3-1) - Last week's rank #5
The Stormtroopers had an impressive victory over one of the new teams in Fire this season, the Kamloops Mad Dogs. Next, the Troopers face the Niceville Norsemen, who have historically had a tough time against the Stormtroopers.

4. Gladiatori Roma (4-0) - Last week's rank #4
Gladiatori Roma continues to find ways to win. Their last two wins have been by a single touchdown. Good managers consistantly find ways to close a game out. Franzlandia is no exception.

3. Pitcairn Bounty Mutineers (4-0) - Last week's rank #3
The Bounty Mutineers are dominating this season. This team could easily go into the playoffs undefeated.

2. Glastonbury Grail Knights (4-0) - Last week's rank #2
This is another team thast could make the playoffs with a perfect record. These guys are dominating teams each week.

1. Fargo Knights (4-0) - Last week's rank #1
The Norsemen did not even act as a speed bump for the Fargo Knights on the road to their next playoff run. Last week, the Knights trounced negbone. Next up, the Stuhr Stallions.

First, I want to congratulate both Champ Chompers and Brazilian Pumas for playing such a great game today. What a comeback by Chompers, but the Pumas responded with a decisive last minute field goal to take the win! Well played!

On to the rankings:

10. STEELERS (3-1) - Last week's rank #9
I hate to drop a one loss team on a bye from the rankings. So, I won’t. The STEELERS hang on to number 10. Hey, if you haven’t yet, please check out the Friendly Cup being sponsored by the STEELERS under your Games -> Friendly Cups menu. The trophy looks terrible , but it should be a ton of fun!

9. Frenchkiss (4-1) - Last week's rank N/A
Yes, they played a bot this week. Yes, the STEELERS had a bye. In the end though, Frenchkiss is 4-1 and sitting atop their division.

8. Knuckleheads (3-1) - Last week's rank N/A
They had a bye this week and moved into first place in their division. Quite a feat! My hat is off to them!

7. Niceville Norsemen (4-1) - Last week's rank #10
The Norsemen handled the Stormtroopers, who unfortunately drop out of our top ten this week with 2 losses. The Norsemen get a much-needed break with this week’s bye.

6. Bonaval Acorns (4-1) - Last week's rank #8
The Acorns are on a three-game win streak but face off with the plucky, upstart Brazilian Pumas on a two-game win streak of the own in their next matchup. Don’t count either team out of this one.

5. Aberthaw Dolphins (5-0) - Last week's rank #6
The Dolphins destroyed the Rednecks by putting on an impressive offensive clinic. They racked up 56 points and limited the Rednecks high octane offense to 26 points. A storm is brewing in the AC North.

4. Gladiatori Roma (5-0) - Last week's rank #4
Impressive win today over neroverde. Gladiatori Roma continue to rack up points with that number 4 passing offense. Their rushing defense has also improved this season, making this a dangerous team to face.

3. Pitcairn Bounty Mutineers (5-0) - Last week's rank #3
Speaking of dangerous, the Mutineer’s made a statement with their win today in an incredible 58-3 performance against negbone. Negbone simply had no answers for the overwhelming Mutineers team today.

2. Glastonbury Grail Knights (5-0) - Last week's rank #2
The Knights are sailing into their bye week undefeated. They are just steamrolling every team they face. They are beginning to look unstoppable.

1. Fargo Knights (5-0) - Last week's rank #1
The Knights played a bot today, but they won’t get penalized for that here. Besides, next week they face their biggest challenge yet, Gladiatori Roma. This game may shake up the standings quite a bit folks.

Thank you for reading!

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