Before looking at the team-by-team notes, some overall information as the season winds down. We have 2 weeks of 4 games each (so each team gets a bye) and then 2 full weeks of games, and that’s it!
#Northish Division
San Francisco has clinched a first round bye. Dublin has all but clinched a playoff spot, and will face either London or Boston (the Bulldogs would need to win their last 2 games, Dublin would need to lose theirs, and Boston would have to make up an 88 point differential to knock the Damhas out of the playoffs).
Dublin closes the season at London in a game that very well may determine home field for the first round of the playoffs.
#Southish Division
Addis Ababa and Tokyo have clinched playoff spots and while Sydney looks a good bet for the final slot, Lomé, Istanbul, and Rio de Janeiro are still alive, at least mathematically.
The matchups in the Southish are mouth-watering: Tokyo and Addis Ababa have yet to play each other, so the division leaders will meet twice in the final 3 games. Sydney’s road is the easiest, with all 3 remaining games against basement dwellers Beijing (twice) and Cape Town (once).
On to the usual TWIWFL material!
#BOS
With 15 catches in just over 3 games, Keyshawn Johnson quickly established himself as an important receiver for Boston. Now he’s out for the rest of the year. However, the Bulldogs will welcome back Curtis Martin with open arms–Bruce Harper did fantastically as his substitute as the primary back, but Martin will step right back into that role.
#CTO
Having filled in admirably at RB all year, Andre Ellington finally broke down and will likely miss the rest of the season. Three other players are looking at extended time on the DL as well: Ben Leber, Eric Hill, and Chase Ford.
#DUB
It is bad enough that Randall Cobb hit the IR this week, but all-league DE J.J. Watt is not only out for the next few games, he is questionable to make it back for any of the post-season. Willie Davis will see time on the defensive line, look for Jordy Nelson to see more snaps at wideout in Cobb’s absence. That makes seven starters that are missing for Dublin.
#LOM
The bye week comes at a good time for the Dizidudu: Tavon Austin, James Laurinaitis, and Archie Matsos should all be recovered in time for their next game, but T Joe Barksdale is out for the season.
#NYG
Ouch. A bad year gets worse as Tiki Barber is sidelined. Maurice Jones-Drew takes over as the #1 back, but look for Dave Meggett to get carries, and for Ron Johnson to be recalled from the taxi squad.