… and then there were four.
We start with the Northish Division Championship game, which will see Dublin visit San Francisco. Both teams have looked unbeatable this season, but not for many weeks. Still, the game is likely to come down the battle between Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees. That’s assuming Frank Gore is able to essentially balance out Dublin’s midseason gem, Jim Taylor. The offenses were almost identical in their production during the year, but while the defenses allowed virtually the same points per game, Dublin did have the best squad in the league in terms of yards allowed.
#DUB
The Damhas lose TE Ryan Griffin, but welcome back both Lavvie Dilweg and B.J. Raji to add depth on the defensive line. Look for Ron Kramer and Ozzie Newsome to fill in at TE.
#SFO
It was not a good bye week for San Francisco, as both DL Ray McDonald and RB Pierre Thomas went down with injury. McDonald’s loss will be offset a bit by the long-awaited return of DT Bryant Young, while Ricky Watters was called up from the taxi squad to help make up for Thomas’ absence.
Over in the Southish Division Championship, it’s the matchup everyone has seen coming for months, as Tokyo travels to Addis Ababa. It’s just a question of whether either defense can put the brakes on the other offense: these are explosive teams, capable of putting a ton of points on the board.
#AAA
There is cause for serious concern for the Emperors, as LaDainian Tomlinson and Ryan Mathews are both out with injury. Addis Ababa may just throw on every down; if not, they’ll be turning to Danny Woodhead and Donald Brown. There is some good news, as Leslie O’Neal and Manti Te’o, both defensive, starters return for Addis Ababa, as does OL Gabe Jackson.
#TOK
Nothing. Absolutely nothing. The coaching staff swear they’ve been practicing, but other than a minor nick to reserve S Dennis Smith, Tokyo haven’t had an injury of note in over a month.