Take it away, Ray…
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Domestos Plunger Bowl
#6 Waterton Winos (5-8) @ #5 Dezzy Does Dallas (5-8)
(Winos lead season series, 2-1)
There isn’t too much for the Dope to speculate regarding this game, as there is very little doubt that the Winos, a team that started with a 5-1 record, will complete their dramatic fall from grace by circling the toilet. The Winos could perhaps take some comfort in the fact that they lead the season series, but in last week’s dead rubber – the Dezzys gave the Winos a hammering. The league is collectively rooting for the Dezzys here, as it would vindicate that the Winos, whose lazy GM skills have cost them, and a finish at the bottom of the table would give the league enough of a case to contract the team next season.
The Dope’s Prediction: Dezzy Does Dallas avoids the Golden Plunger. The Winos will be clueless as to what it all means.
Consolation Game
#4 Shotgun Shenanigans (6-7) @ #2 Orlando Rage (7-6)
(Series tied 1-1)
It could have been so different for the Shannys. Consecutive 40+ point games from one of the hottest athletes in sports at the moment, Russell Wilson, could not help the team prevail over the #1 seed – largely due to the loss of Andy Dalton and the subsequent loss by the Bengals. The Shannys front seven this week do pose a dangerous threat for their opponents, even if Antonio Brown’s recent performances has shown signs of peaks and troughs. Look for Charles Woodson to have a strong game as he returns to Green Bay this week with a point to prove – despite his advancing years, he remains one of the best safeties in the game today and a lock for as a first ballot hall of famer.
In the same way that the Shannys were victims of the Bengals’s misfortunes last week, the Rage were unfortunate to place all of their eggs in the Broncos stable, which cost them dearly. It was another disappointing performance for the team’s front seven (outside of league MVP candidate, Cam Newton). Another week brings another change of RB, as the two RBs on the Rage roster this week are the only two they have used this season who are currently not out or on injured reserve. A strong game from Von Miller, who like Woodson shows no signs of slowing down despite his age, would put the Rage in serious contention.
The Dope knows that there have been predictions of close games in the league this year, but upon speaking to sources in Las Vegas this week – this one is going to be close. Really close. But The Dope doesn’t think so.
The Dope’s Prediction: Strong games from the Shannys front seven condemns the Rage to fourth place. The Rage seeks to spend it’s offseason creating an elixir for injured running backs.
Shiva Bridgend Bowl
#4 Maryland Cookies (6-7) @ #1 Cleveland Clowns (10-3)
(Clowns lead season series, 3-0)
It doesn’t seem all that surprising that these two teams meet in the Shiva Bridgend Bowl, given the Dope predicted at the beginning of the season that these two teams would be competing at the very end. Both teams GMs have made shrewd moves each week, and the Cookies perseverance despite stretches where they looked like they would never win again is very admirable. The Clowns have been easily the class of the BFL in the inaugural season and that regular season performance will certainly mean that a victory over them in the 2016 season will be celebrated by many in the league.
The Cookies look a complete team, with outstanding RBs and three WRs that would make most defenders quake in their boots. Luke Kuechly has made an incredible contribution since joining the team and his performances will be what has put them over the top. Starting Tyrod Taylor in a playoff game is a big risk – a bad performance and the Cookies can kiss Shiva goodbye. But if Taylor performs to the best of his abilities this week, the Maryland team will be celebrating deep into Christmas time.
The Clowns last defeat came five weeks ago and if you are a fan of symmetry, this would be the week that a L comes their way. But if you are an inhabitant of planet earth, you would see a team that has not got to 10-3 in the regular season by accident. The Dope has tried for weeks to pick holes in this Clowns team and has failed to do so. A strong effort from the likes of Reshad Jones, would put the icing on the cake.
For the first time this season, Vegas has this game down as a pick’em – meaning it is genuinely too close to call. Despite the fact that the Cookies have yet to win a game against the Clowns this season.
The Dope’s Prediction: Like the Golden State Warriors and the Undertaker at WrestleMania, streaks are made to be broken. But, not just yet – the Cookies sneak it through a great performance from Golden Tate on MNF.
The Dope’s Week 12 Predictions: 3-0
The Dope’s Overall Predictions: 27-12 (.666)
From the Commish’s Desk…
* There will be a final Dope Sheet of the BFL season posted by Wednesday next week as an “End of Season Review”, highlighting the highs and lows for each team over this season, so make sure to check back for that.
In this final week, the best of luck to all of you. May you get the results your season deserves – especially Mike, which is at the bottom of the toilet.