One week to go! As such, we’ll focus on the playoff contenders as they round into their final games in this edition of TWIWFL.
First, in the Northish Division.
#BOS
Boston has the edge over London in the form of an 8 point edge in point differential as they head to New York for their final game. The Bulldogs are still pretty decimated at WR, but as long as anyone–Julian Edelman, perhaps–steps in behind Don Maynard and Eric Decker, they should do alright; otherwise, the team’s biggest loss is starting LB and defensive leader Nick Buoniconti, out for the rest of the year.
#DUB
Dublin will host the wild card game against either Boston or London, and will have a say in who they play, as they end the season at London. Look for both Aaron Rodgers and–especially-Jim Taylor to be rested in that game, despite the usual coachspeak about doing everything they can to win. It is highly unlikely J.J. Watt returns for any of the postseason, but OL Mike Michalske should.
#LON
London has to win by 9 points more than Boston wins to guarantee a playoff spot. They’ve been among the healthiest teams in the league all year, but a few cracks are beginning to show: Cortez Kennedy, Tom Rafferty, and Russell Okung will all miss the final game, and Walter Jones is out for the entire postseason. There are capable backups at all 4 slots, however, in Bob Lilly, Travis Frederick, Tyron Smith, and Doug Free.
#SFO
The Sea Lions have the top seed and the first round bye all sewn up; as such, look for some reserves to get significant playing time against Amsterdam. DTs Leo Nomellini and Bryant Young should both return for the postseason, but while Bob St. Clair should also be healthy again, the OL will continue to miss both Willie Roaf and Randy Cross.
And, in the Southern Division.
#AAA
The Emperors are all but assured of the first round bye; as such, especially if the game against Tokyo is close, look for their starters to fade to the sidelines in the second half. Both Leslie O’Neal and Manti Te’o should be back for their first postseason game.
#RIO
Rio needs to win and they need a Sydney loss to make it as the wild card. Fragile WR Josh Gordon will be a gametime decision, while Donnie Edwards could return if the Carnival do make the postseason. Still, as long as the OL and the RBs are healthy, the Carnival have a chance.
#SYD
Win and they’re in. Simple! Not only that, the Great White host Beijing, the team with the worst record in the league. Simpler! The defense is limping, and while Louis Delmas would return for the postseason, Sydney will continue to rely on replacement LBs Koa Misi, Jeremiah Trotter, and Bill Bergey.
#TOK
The Swallows would need to beat Addis Ababa by well over 50 points to claim first place–a highly unlikely outcome. Still, Tokyo, somewhat miraculously, heads into the final game with only a single starter sideline (Bernard Pollard). This is, easily, the healthiest team in the league.